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The New York Times Mini Crossword drops a brand-new challenge every single day. For many, it becomes a morning ritual, much like coffee or checking the weather. With its quick clues and sharp wordplay, The Mini doesn’t just entertain—it sparks the brain into gear.
Unlike the classic full-length crossword, this compact version trims the time without trimming the fun. It's short, smart, and fresh—every single day. There’s no dragging out the dictionary or sitting with a thesaurus. Just five clues across, five clues down, and a chance to crack a neat little code.
April 16, 2025, brought a whole new batch of witty wordplay. The Mini offered a smooth mix of modern slang, familiar expressions, and smart cultural nods. One clue could tickle the funny bone. Another might stir memories of school quizzes or late-night trivia. Across clues played with temperature and tunes, while the Down section delivered attitude and action.
Clue: T-t-t-turn up the heat!
Answer: BRR
Explanation: A humorous flip—this frosty outcry actually means cold, not hot.
Clue: Like fare at a fair, fairly often
Answer: FRIED
Explanation: Consider deep-fried snacks—fair food is renowned for crispy, golden bites.
Clue: A complete unknown?
Answer: RANDO
Explanation: Slang for a person completely unknown or encountered randomly.
Clue: A Rolling Stone?
Answer: ISSUE
Explanation: A clever wordplay, associating the phrase with the ubiquitous magazine.
Clue: Witch’s spell
Answer: HEX
Explanation: A traditional word for a curse or magical charm.
Clue: In-your-face assertive
Answer: BRASH
Explanation: Describes bold, sometimes loud behavior that pushes limits.
Clue: Help with the dishes
Answer: RINSE
Explanation: An action performed before or after washing plates in the sink.
Clue: Done again in a similar way
Answer: REDUX
Explanation: A name for something recycled or repeated with a twist.
Clue: The “F” of T.G.I.F.: Abbr.
Answer: FRI
Explanation: The abbreviation for Friday, the week's long-sought finish line.
Clue: Fawn’s mother
Answer: DOE
Explanation: A kind doe—a familiar figure in woods tales and wildlife programs.
Each Mini introduces new excitement. The clues blend speed with depth. There’s no room for fluff, just clean cuts of language, pop culture, and wit. For those who chase a perfect streak or just need a moment to stretch the mind, The Mini hits that sweet spot.
Today's puzzle embraced contemporary slang and old-school crossword ease. Filling in came easily. Even with curveballs such as "RANDO" and "REDUX," the flow remained in balance. That's the charm of The Mini. Quick, entertaining, and never dull.
The Mini isn’t just a puzzle—it’s a moment. A quick burst of challenge that feels fresh every day. Players come back not just for answers but for that sharp mental lift. The thrill of seeing clues click. The satisfaction of filling in the last square.
Each solved puzzle becomes part of a growing streak. Some compete with friends, others race against the clock. But all keep coming back for the spark.
The Times has other NYT games similar to Wordle, Connections, and Strands. But The Mini is still a favorite. Easy to get to. Difficult to resist.
While today's Mini is available to play for free, accessing the entire archive and bonus games needs a Times Games subscription. This creates access to historic challenges, special theme puzzles, and more explorations of the crosswords' world.
April 16's Mini had cutting-edge clues, clever turns, and joyous solutions. Speed or slow down, the Mini Crossword never fails. New day, new puzzle, new delight. That's what makes it extra special.
Greet tomorrow with a fresh batch of clever clues. And don't forget, it's not winning first—it's surviving the test.
