NYT Mini Crossword August 21, 2025 – Hints & Answers

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers and Tips

Thursday, August 21, 2025

Celebrate the almost-weekend with a quick Mini Crossword—five minutes of delightful wordplay to sharpen your wits before you unwind. Spoilers ahead!

Quick Hints

Across
1A. Frequently asked q’s (abbr.) begins with F
5A. We invaded. (4-letter country with a Q) begins with I
6A. Creator Mike White. (TV series subtitle) begins with L
8A. Electronic correspondence begins with E
9A. Late to class begins with T

Down
1D. Steak (abbr.) begins with F
2D. Smell begins with A
3D. Near the other Q country begins with Q
4D. Like an octopus begins with S
7D. Cunning, more like begins with U

Full Answers

Across
1A. FAQS
5A. IRAQ
6A. LOTUS
8A. EMAIL
9A. TARDY

Down
1D. FILET
2D. AROMA
3D. QATAR
4D. SQUID
7D. SLY

Solver’s Notes

• IRAQ and QATAR share that rare Q—and no U—structure, so once you spot one, the other clicks.
• “The White __” cues LOTUS, a great nod to Mike White’s hit.
• Burnt toast? That unmistakable AROMA will always give you away.
• If you finished under a minute, congratulations! Challenge yourself next time to beat your record.

How did you do today? Share your time or any tricky spots on social media using #NYTMini!