ByAnish
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Monday, Dec. 1, 2025
Written by Anish – TechBoltX | Updated: December 1, 2025
Overview
The NYT Mini Crossword for December 1, 2025 kicks off the month with a clean, direct, and clue-friendly grid. Today’s puzzle leans heavily on everyday vocabulary, a few cultural references and a classic opera clue. If you’re stuck on any entry or want to verify your filled grid, here’s the full across and down breakdown.
Mini Crossword Across Clues & Answers
1A — Tree that’s a symbol of Canada
Answer: MAPLE
The maple leaf is featured prominently on the Canadian flag — a crossword staple.
6A — Back street
Answer: ALLEY
A narrow passage behind buildings; common fill across many NYT puzzles.
7A — Kind of steak with a letter in its name
Answer: TBONE
The “T” shape of the bone gives this cut its name.
8A — Beer pong targets
Answer: CUPS
A popular party game setup — straightforward fill.
9A — “___ Pinafore” (Gilbert and Sullivan opera)
Answer: HMS
Short for H.M.S. Pinafore, a classic 1878 operetta.
Mini Crossword Down Clues & Answers
1D — Show mutual interest, as on a dating app
Answer: MATCH
When both sides swipe right, you’re matched.
2D — “Bad” or “Good Kid, M.A.A.D City”
Answer: ALBUM
Both are iconic albums — one by Michael Jackson, the other by Kendrick Lamar.
3D — Sits (down) heavily
Answer: PLOPS
A soft, heavy landing.
4D — Contact ___
Answer: LENS
As in contact lenses — a common fill blank.
5D — Look here!
Answer: EYE
A direct instruction — “eye” = look.
Solving Tips for Today
- Scan across clues first — today’s across entries are simpler than the downs.
- Look for pop culture and music references (e.g., ALBUM), which often connect quickly.
- ALLEY and MAPLE provide solid corner anchors for the grid.
FAQ — NYT Mini Crossword (Dec. 1, 2025)
What was the hardest clue today?
Possibly TBONE, especially for solvers who don’t follow steak cuts.
Does the NYT Mini change difficulty by day?
Yes — Mondays are easier, Saturdays are the hardest, and Sundays vary.
When does the Mini reset?
It updates daily at midnight Eastern Time.
