NYT Mini Crossword Hints & Answers: August 23, 2025

If you’re struggling to complete today’s NYT Mini Crossword, don’t worry! We’ve got all the hints, clues, and answers for Saturday, August 23, 2025, straight from Forbes. Whether you’re a casual solver or aiming to improve your Mini Crossword streak, this guide will help you finish the puzzle in no time.

What Is the NYT Mini Crossword?

The NYT Mini Crossword is a smaller version of the classic New York Times crossword, typically on a 5×5 grid (sometimes larger on weekends). Unlike the full-size crossword, it’s quick to solve but still challenges your vocabulary and word-association skills.

• Free to play on the NYT Games app or website
• Usually 3–5 clues in each direction
• Larger puzzles on Saturdays, with more challenging clues

NYT Mini Crossword Hints – Across Clues (August 23)

1. Shaggy hairdo that half-sounds like a floor cleaning implement – MOPTOP
2. It’s so much nicer to hear than “murderin’ that” when you do a great job of something – KILLIN’ IT
3. What an actor might say at the end of an audition to indicate they have finished – AND SCENE
4. It is, for short (no, the other one) – TIS
5. Pet Shop Boys song “It’s A ____” – SIN
6. It makes the subject of your snap look closer on your screen – ZOOM LENS
7. Kick a soccer ball through an opponent’s legs. Also, a spice used in eggnog – NUTMEG
8. Come down to earth – LAND

NYT Mini Crossword Hints – Down Clues (August 23)

1. Pejorative for a lowly worker or servant – MINION
2. A young person who may be wise far beyond their years – OLD SOUL
3. Used to finish off a polite request, in text speak – PLS
4. ____-Tac, a popular mint – TIC
5. A giant tree can grow from this – ONE SEED
6. Lusting, yearning for – PINING
7. Sounds like several kitties, but with the first and last letters changed – KATZ
8. If you have the same of these, they add up to one hundred – TENS

Tips for Solving the NYT Mini Crossword

• Start with the easy clues: Across clues like TIS, NUTMEG, and LAND can unlock many Down answers.
• Use the context: Pop culture and everyday references often appear in Minis.
• Check spelling carefully: Minor mistakes like PINING vs PINIGG can slow you down.
• Work from intersections: Filling one word often helps solve overlapping words.

Difficulty Level

Today’s Mini Crossword was moderately challenging. Some clues like AND SCENE and ZOOM LENS required a second look, but the majority of answers were solvable with careful thinking. Total completion time for an average solver: ~2:06.

FAQs

Q. Where can I play the NYT Mini Crossword?
A. Available on the NYT Games website or app, free daily.

Q. Can I access previous NYT Mini Crossword puzzles?
A. Yes, with an NYT Games subscription.

Q. What is the grid size of the Mini Crossword?
A. Usually 5×5; larger on weekends.

Q. Are there hints available for every puzzle?
A. Yes, Forbes and other blogs provide clues, hints, and full answers daily.