The NYT Mini Crossword for December 18 offers quick, simple, and fun clues that fit easily into busy daily schedules.
Today’s puzzle blends everyday words with modern tech terms, keeping the grid fresh, smooth, and easy to solve.
The Mini remains a daily favorite, pairing well with other NYT Games and offering a fast, rewarding puzzle experience.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword opens the day with a brand-new word challenge. This puzzle arrives every morning and welcomes players with a small grid and sharp clues. The Mini keeps things short and lively. Each clue feels quick to read and simple to understand. Each answer fits smoothly into the grid.
The New York Times created The Mini for puzzle fans who enjoy fast thinking. The full crossword takes time and deep focus. The Mini prefers speed and flow. Many players solve it in under a minute. Some return several times to beat personal records. This daily habit keeps minds active and sharp.
December 19 continues this tradition with a clean and balanced puzzle. The clues rely on common words and smart twists. The answers feel fair. The experience feels light and fun. When one clue slows progress, frustration can rise. That moment often leads players to search for trusted NYT Mini crossword answers and daily puzzle hints.
This guide explains every clue from today’s puzzle in the simplest way possible. Each explanation uses clear language and short sentences. The goal stays simple. Help arrives fast. Solving feels smooth again.
Clue: Melted marshmallow, e.g.
Answer: GOO
Explanation: A marshmallow turns soft and sticky after melting, which makes it goo.
This clue starts the puzzle with a playful idea. Heat changes texture. The answer matches that change.
Clue: Misleading poker bet
Answer: BLUFF
Explanation: A bluff tricks other players by hiding the truth during a poker game.
Poker involves strategy and mind games. This word fits that setting well.
Clue: New Hampshire's is “Live Free or Die”
Answer: MOTTO
Explanation: “Live Free or Die” serves as the official state saying of New Hampshire.
This clue uses basic knowledge. The answer comes from a well-known state phrase.
Clue: Something stored in the cloud?
Answer: WATER
Explanation: Clouds hold rainwater, not digital files, which creates a clever joke.
The question mark signals wordplay. The clue plays on nature rather than technology.
Clue: Shade akin to khaki
Answer: TAN
Explanation: Tan matches the light brown color commonly linked to khaki.
This clue closes the across section with a simple color match.
Clue: Exhibit poor sportsmanship, in a way
Answer: GLOAT
Explanation: Gloating means showing pride over another person’s loss.
This word describes behavior often seen after a win.
Clue: “Get ___ town!”
Answer: OUTTA
Explanation: “Outta” completes a casual phrase that means leaving fast.
The clue reflects spoken language and informal tone.
Clue: Much of the time
Answer: OFTEN
Explanation: Often describes something that happens many times.
This clue uses everyday language and clear meaning.
Clue: High-end German automaker
Answer: BMW
Explanation: BMW stands as a luxury car brand from Germany.
This answer comes quickly for most solvers.
Clue: The “F” of FWIW
Answer: FOR
Explanation: FWIW expands to “for what it’s worth.”
This clue connects to common internet shorthand.
Also Read – NYT Wordle Answer Today for December 19, 2025: Hints and Full Solution Guide
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword shows why this puzzle keeps growing in popularity. The size stays small. The challenge stays real. Each solve feels rewarding. The Mini fits easily into a morning routine or a short break.
The puzzle also builds skill. Regular players spot patterns faster. Familiar clue styles feel easier over time. Confidence grows with each solve.
December 19 delivers a smooth and friendly grid. No clue feels unfair. No answer feels forced. The balance remains strong from start to finish.
The NYT Mini belongs to a larger world of NYT Games. This collection includes Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition, and Strands. Each game offers a different kind of challenge. Some test logic. Some test vocabulary. Some test pattern skills.
The Mini stands out for speed and simplicity. It works as a warm-up for other games or as a stand-alone brain boost. Many players complete the Mini before moving on to other NYT Games.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword delivers another smart and enjoyable daily puzzle. December 19 offers clear clues, friendly wordplay, and satisfying answers. Each solution fits neatly and keeps the pace steady.
Tomorrow awaits with a fresh grid and new clues. Another challenge stands ready. NYT Games continue to offer daily fun for puzzle lovers of all kinds. The Mini returns again, small in size but strong in charm.
Also Read – Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for December 18, 2025