NYT Mini Crossword Solutions for June 8, 2025: Clues and Answers

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 skills! The NYT Mini is a favorite among puzzle enthusiasts. It is a compact version of the classic crossword puzzle featured in The New York Times, which is published in over 300 newspapers and available online. This American-style puzzle is released daily, with its difficulty level increasing throughout the week, starting with easier puzzles on Mondays and culminating in the most challenging ones on Saturdays. The Sunday Crossword, a larger version, 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, created by Joel Fagliano, 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.
Unlike the full-sized NYT Crossword, the Mini can be played for free on the New York Times website or through the NYT Games app. However, accessing older puzzle archives requires a subscription to NYT Games.
WARNING: Spoilers are included below! Scroll down only if you wish to see today's NYT Mini answers.
Strategies for Solving 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 for key clues to assist in solving other words.
- If uncertain about an answer, feel free to make a guess; it can be adjusted later if necessary.
- Try rearranging letters to form words, concentrating on common crossword answers and patterns.
- Common answers often relate to history, geography, and pop culture.
- Before consulting hints, attempt to solve the puzzle independently.
NYT Mini Crossword Clues and Answers for June 8, 2025
If you're struggling to find the right words, don't worry! Here are the solutions for today's NYT Crossword:
ACROSS Answers
1. Organization with shooting stars — NBA
4. Buildings with weather vanes, stereotypically — BARNS
6. Swiss watch brand — OMEGA
7. What Santa, Gandalf, and Dumbledore each have — BEARD
8. Pie in the ___ — SKY
DOWN Answers
1. “I’m bad with ___” (party excuse) — NAMES
2. Start of a billiards game — BREAK
3. Seeing red — ANGRY
4. Timothée’s role in “A Complete Unknown” — DYLAN
5. Feeling blue — SAD
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.
Available for free on the NYT website and mobile app, the Mini Crossword has maintained high quality over the years due to careful editing. Several freelance creators have contributed to its development, with Joel Fagliano serving as the editor since its inception.