Written by Anish – TechBoltX | Nov 21, 2025

NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Friday, Nov. 21, 2025

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword is a quick and enjoyable solve, mixing common vocabulary with pop culture references and a few cleverly phrased clues. If you’re stuck, double-checking, or simply want to compare times with fellow solvers, this guide provides all the across and down answers for the November 21 puzzle.

The Mini Crossword is designed to be fast—often under a minute for experienced players—but the compact 5×5 grid means each clue has to pull its weight. Short words, tight crossings, and concise definitions make the puzzle both beginner-friendly and fun for speed-solvers.

Below is the full breakdown of today’s clues and answers.

???? Mini Crossword Across Clues & Answers

1A — Pump iron
✔ LIFT

5A — Peer
✔ EQUAL

7A — Like the music of Rick James and James Brown
✔ FUNKY

8A — Animal that can’t change its stripes, per an old adage
✔ TIGER

9A — Pointed part of a fork
✔ TINE

???? Mini Crossword Down Clues & Answers

1D — Dominant hand for Shohei Ohtani when batting, but not pitching
✔ LEFT

2D — Resignation proclamation
✔ IQUIT

3D — Mushrooms, mold, mildew, etc.
✔ FUNGI

4D — “Is this seat ___?”
✔ TAKEN

6D — U-shaped instrument in ancient Greece
✔ LYRE

❓ FAQs

1. Was today’s Mini Crossword difficult?

No, today’s puzzle is on the easier side with straightforward cluing.

2. What clue was the trickiest today?

Many solvers found LEFT and IQUIT slightly tricky due to their phrasing.

3. How long does it take to solve the NYT Mini?

Most players finish in 30 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on experience.

4. How many clues are in the Mini Crossword?

There are 10 clues total—5 across, 5 down.

5. Where can I find daily Mini Crossword updates?

Daily answers are posted here on TechBoltX.

✍️ Author Bio

Anish is a puzzle and word-game expert covering NYT Mini Crossword, Wordle, Strands, and Connections. With over five years of daily solving experience, he provides clear, accurate puzzle guides trusted by thousands of readers.