Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Sunday, Dec. 21

Introduction to Today’s NYT Mini Crossword (Dec. 21)

If you’re searching for Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Sunday, Dec. 21, you’re in the right place. Today’s Mini Crossword offered a satisfying challenge, with a couple of tricky Across clues that became clearer once the Down answers fell into place.

The Mini Crossword is designed to be quick but clever—and today’s grid proved that even small puzzles can pack a mental punch.

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What Is the NYT Mini Crossword?

NYT Mini Crossword is a compact version of The New York Times’ famous crossword. Unlike the full-size puzzle, the Mini usually takes just a few minutes to complete but still tests vocabulary, trivia knowledge, and lateral thinking.

Why Players Love the Mini

• Fast, daily challenge
• Perfect for beginners and experts alike
• Great warm-up for larger puzzles
• Free to play online

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Completed NYT Mini Crossword for Dec. 21

Below is a breakdown of all the Across and Down clues and answers for today’s puzzle.

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Mini Across Clues and Answers

1A. Only U.S. president born in the month of September

Answer: TAFT

A presidential trivia clue referencing William Howard Taft.

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5A. “I’ll ___ it” (“Fine, I guess”)

Answer: ALLOW

A conversational phrase that fits naturally once crosses are filled.

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7A. Material for a reusable diaper

Answer: CLOTH

Straightforward and practical.

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8A. Land of Seoul and Pyongyang

Answer: KOREA

A geography clue that connects both capitals.

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9A. One might be “Forever”

Answer: STAMP

A clever clue referencing collectible or commemorative stamps.

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Mini Down Clues and Answers

1D. Metal pins on a bulletin board

Answer: TACKS

A common office supply answer.

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2D. Separate into portions

Answer: ALLOT

A frequent crossword favorite.

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3D. Fauna’s counterpart

Answer: FLORA

A classic biology pairing.

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4D. ___ pole (symbolic carving)

Answer: TOTEM

A cultural reference seen often in crossword puzzles.

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6D. Sound from a fly swatter

Answer: WHAP

A fun, onomatopoeic finish to the puzzle.

Why Today’s Mini Crossword Was Tricky

Today’s challenge came from:

• A knowledge-based trivia clue (1A)
• Ambiguous phrasing in early Across clues
• Easier Down clues that unlocked the grid

Solving the Downs first made the puzzle much smoother overall.

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Tips for Solving the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

1. Start With the Downs

They’re often more literal and help reveal Across answers.

2. Expect Wordplay

Short clues can be deceptively clever.

3. Brush Up on Trivia

Presidents, geography, and biology appear often.

4. Practice Daily

Consistency improves speed and accuracy.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where can I play the NYT Mini Crossword?

You can play it on The New York Times Games website or app.

2. Is the Mini Crossword free?

Yes, the Mini Crossword is free to play daily.

3. How long does the Mini Crossword usually take?

Most players finish in under five minutes.

4. Are Mini Crossword answers reused?

Occasionally, but clues and contexts often differ.

5. Is Sunday’s Mini harder than weekdays?

Sometimes—it often includes clever trivia clues.

6. Can I see past Mini Crossword puzzles?

Yes, archived puzzles are available with a NYT Games subscription.

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Conclusion

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Sunday, Dec. 21 delivered a compact but satisfying puzzle filled with trivia, wordplay, and classic crossword clues. If the first few Across answers slowed you down, you weren’t alone—but the Downs provided a clear path to victory.

Check back daily for Mini Crossword answers, hints, and expert solving tips to keep your puzzle streak going. 🧩