The New York Times Mini Crossword is a fast, fun, and accessible daily word puzzle that challenges your vocabulary and quick thinking. Each day brings a new set of clues that test even the sharpest minds. If you’re having trouble with today’s puzzle, this page provides updated hints and correct answers for December 11, 2025, to help you solve it easily and enjoy a stress-free experience.
What is the NYT Mini Crossword Game?
This game, featured in The New York Times (NYT), is a smaller version (typically a 5×5 grid) than the full-fledged version. Because of its small size, most players can solve it in just a minute or two. A new puzzle is released daily, offering a regular mental exercise. This Crossword game is designed to be easier than standard versions, which makes it a good entry point for newbies.
Today’s Answers for Mini Crossword December 11, 2025
Mini Across Clues and Answers
“Across” crossword clues are typically numbered left to right. Almost finished? Fill in what you missed with the ACROSS clues and answers for today’s puzzle.
1A clue: Painter’s protective garment
Answer: SMOCK
6A clue: “Toy Story 5” studio
Answer: PIXAR
7A clue: Your answer to “Where were you at 9 p.m. last night?,” perhaps
Answer: ALIBI
8A clue: Tennis star Rafael
Answer: NADAL
9A clue: Solemn sound from a church bell
Answer: KNELL
Mini down Clues and Answers
“Down” crossword clues, on the other hand, typically appear in numerical order from top to bottom. Use the DOWN clues and answers for today’s puzzle below to complete your grid, one vertical clue at a time.
1D clue: Defeat soundly, in slang
Answer: SPANK
2D clue: Italian city with a fashion week
Answer: MILAN
3D clue: Iron ___ (rust)
Answer: OXIDE
4D clue: Small group of conspirators
Answer: CABAL
5D clue: Food for a baleen whale
Answer: KRILL
How to Play the NYT’s Mini Crossword Game?
It offers a bite-sized version of the classic crossword, designed to provide a quick and fun challenge. Here’s how to play it:
The Basics
- The puzzle is a grid of 5 squares by 5 squares.
- Each square can hold a letter.
- You fill in words both across (horizontally) and down (vertically).
- Clues are provided for each word, numbered consecutively down the left side and across the top.
Playing the Game
- Read the clues: Each clue will hint at the answer for the corresponding numbered space in the grid. The clues can be definitions, synonyms, or even puns!
- Fill in the letters: Based on the clues, start filling in the letters you know for sure. Once you have a few letters in, you can use them to guess other words that intersect them.
- Keep it logical: As you fill in the grid, make sure the letters fit together to form valid words both horizontally and vertically.
- Use your knowledge: Sometimes, the clues might require some general knowledge or wordplay skills to solve.
Tips and Tricks
- Start with the easy ones: Look for clues that seem straightforward or where you can guess a few letters easily. Filling in these will give you a good starting point.
- Work both ways: Don’t just focus on the down clues or the across clues. Switch back and forth to see if intersecting letters can help you solve either clue.
- Don’t be afraid to guess: If you’re stuck, make an educated guess using the clue and the letters you already have. You can always come back and change it later if it doesn’t fit.
- Use online resources: If you’re really stuck, use websites and apps that offer solutions, but challenge yourself to solve it on your own first!
Where to Play
- You can find it in the New York Times Crossword app or on the New York Times website (https://www.nytimes.com/crosswords).
- Other crossword puzzle apps offer similar mini-crossword experiences.
Conclusion
The New York Times created the Mini Crossword to keep its audience engaged with quick, brain-teasing puzzles. Each day brings a fresh set of clues designed to test your sharpness and problem-solving skills. You can find today’s updated Mini Crossword answers right here on gamuters, a trusted source that publishes accurate solutions shortly after midnight.
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