NYT Mini Crossword Solutions for June 12, 2025: Test Your Skills

Introduction to NYT Mini Crossword

Can you complete the NYT Mini Crossword in less than a minute? This article presents today's clues to challenge your abilities! The NYT Mini is a favorite among puzzle enthusiasts, offering a quick version of the classic crossword found in The New York Times. This puzzle is featured in over 300 newspapers and is also available online, making it a well-known American-style crossword that appears daily. The difficulty level varies throughout the week, with Mondays being the easiest and Saturdays the most challenging. The larger Sunday Crossword is highlighted in the New York Times Magazine and holds a significant place in American culture.

Understanding the NYT Mini Crossword

The NYT Mini Crossword is an enjoyable daily puzzle that serves as a smaller alternative to the traditional NYT Crossword. Accessible to anyone with a New York Times account, this puzzle typically features three to five clues in each direction on a 5×5 grid, although larger 7×7 grids may appear on Saturdays. Compared to the standard daily puzzle, the Mini is designed to be simpler.

Accessing the Mini Crossword

Unlike the full-sized NYT Crossword, the Mini version can be played for free on the New York Times website or through the NYT Games app. However, a subscription to NYT Games is required to access older puzzle archives.

Solving Tips for the Mini Crossword

• Begin with straightforward clues to establish a base of letters and words. Focus on hints that have short answers or are based on common knowledge.
• Pay attention to intersecting letters as you fill in answers, as they can help solve other clues.
• If you're uncertain about an answer, don't hesitate to make a guess; you can always change it later if needed.
• Try rearranging letters to form words, concentrating on common crossword answers and patterns.
• Common answers often relate to history, geography, and pop culture.
• Before checking hints, attempt to solve the puzzle independently.

Today's NYT Mini Crossword Answers for June 12, 2025

If you're struggling with some tricky words, here are the solutions for today's NYT Mini Crossword:

ACROSS Answers

1. ___ chi — TAI

4. Financially compensated — PAID

5. Some things off the top of your head? — HAIRS

6. Feels sick — AILS

7. ___ Peacock, character in Clue — MRS

DOWN Answers

1. Coin flip call — TAILS

2. Shows on TV — AIRS

3. Requests at the bar, informally — ILLS

4. Decent poker holding — PAIR

5. Person who loves attention — HAM

The Evolution of the Mini Crossword

The NYT Mini Crossword was launched on August 21, 2014, to provide a quicker and more accessible daily challenge for puzzle lovers. It was designed to attract a broader audience, especially those who found the full-size puzzle daunting. The NYT website and mobile app offer the Mini daily for free, and the quality of the puzzle has improved over the years due to careful editing. Joel Fagliano has been the editor of the Mini Crossword since its inception, with contributions from various freelance creators.