NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Monday, Dec. 15, 2025

NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Dec. 15, 2025

The NYT Mini Crossword for Monday, Dec. 15, 2025 is a clean, classic weekday puzzle that eases solvers into the week. Most of the clues are straightforward, but 6-Across stands out as the one that might slow you down until the rest of the grid fills in.

This Mini balances seasonal language, pop culture, and general knowledge, making it approachable for beginners while still offering a satisfying solve for experienced players.

Below are the complete Across and Down answers, followed by expert notes to help you recognize similar clue patterns in future NYT Mini Crosswords.

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Mini Across Clues & Answers

• 1A. Cold winter blanket — SNOW
• 5A. Number of candles in a full menorah — NINE
• 6A. “Point taken” — NOTED
• 7A. Rude sound at the dinner table — BURP
• 8A. Kind of bomb developed by Oppenheimer — ATOM

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Mini Down Clues & Answers

• 1D. Dog’s nose and mouth — SNOUT
• 2D. ___ cold brew — NITRO
• 3D. An hour after noon — ONEPM
• 4D. Get married to — WED
• 6D. Org. infiltrated by aliens in “Space Jam” — NBA

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Puzzle Snapshot

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Expert Notes

This puzzle is a textbook example of a Monday Mini — light on trickery, heavy on familiar phrases.

• 6A (NOTED) is the key pivot. The quotation marks signal a spoken-response meaning (“Got it”), not a literal definition.
• 5A (NINE) references the full menorah, including the shamash candle — a common trivia clue that shows up regularly.
• 8A (ATOM) taps into historical knowledge, referencing J. Robert Oppenheimer and the atomic bomb.

Down clues like SNOUT, WED, and NBA are classic crossword fill and help anchor the grid quickly.

Solving tip:
When a Mini clue feels vague (like “Point taken”), skip it and fill crossings first — the answer often becomes obvious once two letters are locked in.

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FAQs

1. What was the hardest clue in today’s Mini Crossword?

Most solvers paused at 6A (NOTED) because the clue relies on conversational meaning.

2. Is the NYT Mini Crossword easier on Mondays?

Yes. Monday Minis are usually the most accessible of the week.

3. What does a “full menorah” include?

Nine candles — eight lights plus the shamash.

4. When does the NYT Mini Crossword update?

Every day at midnight ET on the NYT Games platform.