
The NYT Mini brings a new mental stretch each day. This quick puzzle from The New York Times offers a clever test of wit, knowledge, and speed. A few short clues are all it takes to stir up minds and invite solvers into a world of words.
Each edition offers a fresh set of challenges. The game’s compact design encourages a fast-paced approach. Some breeze through in under a minute, while others stop to untangle clues that resist easy answers.
Welcome to today’s puzzle — April 15, 2025 — where the Mini continues its streak of serving up concise, smart, and sometimes sneaky clues. A little logic, a little pop culture, and a touch of science fill this Tuesday’s grid. Each word reveals a story in five letters or less.
Today’s across clues packed a punch with clever wordplay and quick associations. From RSVP etiquette to salad bowls, each answer delivered a twist that tested both vocabulary and context. The theme danced between modern lingo and timeless trivia, showing how even the smallest grid can stretch the mind.
1A. Say whether you'll go
Answer: RSVP
This classic abbreviation signals confirmation for an event invitation.
5A. Fitting game for Chip, Jack and Betty to play?
Answer: POKER
Card-themed names lead to a clever play on betting — “Betty” becomes “bet.”
7A. Beginning of a joke
Answer: SETUP
The start of every punchline depends on this essential piece.
8A. Mix, as a salad
Answer: TOSS
The perfect verb for combining lettuce, dressing, and more.
1D. Doomed Shakespearean lover
Answer: ROMEO
The tragic half of literature’s most famous romantic pair.
2D. Short comedic performances
Answer: SKITS
Quick scenes meant to bring laughs in just a few moments.
3D. Planet shrouded in toxic clouds that smell like rotten eggs
Answer: VENUS
Earth’s neighbor hides behind sulfur-rich clouds and scorching heat.
4D. Support, with "up"
Answer: PROP
Used both for lifting and in theaters — a useful word with range.
5D. "I'm never going back, the ___ is in the ___" (lyric from "Let It Go")
Answer: PAST
A musical reminder from Frozen about moving forward and letting go.
This puzzle’s strength lies in its form. Every square holds a purpose. There’s no room for fluff. Each clue invites a mini moment of insight.
Today’s Mini showed a range of topics. Shakespeare, planets, card games, chemistry, and even Disney made an appearance. In just a handful of words, this grid brought variety and delight.
Solving each day becomes a ritual. Some chase speed. Others take time to savor every connection. The puzzle’s flexibility gives it wide appeal.
The New York Times offers more than The Mini. Wordle, Strands, Connections, and other NYT games also test skills in language and logic. But the Mini stays unique. Its tight format brings both challenge and charm.
Access to past puzzles may require a Times Games subscription. But today’s Mini? Always open and free to try. That small opportunity draws solvers over day after day.
April 15’s puzzle wrapped up in style. Clever clues, smooth answers, and a splash of surprise define The Mini.
Tomorrow brings another challenge. A new five-by-five grid, another round of twisty clues, and a fresh chance to solve.
Until then, the streak continues. Keep the rhythm going. One puzzle at a time.
April 15 wrapped up with wit and precision. A dose of trivia, some science, and a lyric twist came together in this tiny grid.
Tomorrow, another Mini arrives with brand-new clues. That’s the joy of it. Always new. Always quick. Always sharp.