
Each day begins with a new challenge in the world of puzzles. The NYT Mini Crossword greets solvers with a fresh grid, small in size but packed with wordplay and wit. It’s not just a game — it’s a ritual for many who enjoy thinking fast and stretching their vocabulary before breakfast.
This daily puzzle, though tiny, turns into a battle of brains with only a few squares. There’s something satisfying about fitting the right word into the perfect space. And today’s Mini delivers just that. Welcome to the Thursday edition of the NYT Mini Crossword — full of quirky clues and sharp answers.
Today's grid looks slightly longer, and there’s a reason. A bonus Down clue sneaked in, causing confusion and curiosity. The twist? A little pun reflecting the holiday season made its way into the mix. Here's a fresh set of clues and solutions for April 17, 2025.
1A: Person, ___ or thing
The solution is PLACE — an old grammar set.
6A: Like someone you shouldn't trust with fragile objects
The solution is KLUTZY — awkward and a threat to anything fragile.
7A: A time to dye?
The solution is EASTER — a cheerful pun on a holiday filled with pastel eggs.
8A: Dangle a carrot in front of
The solution is ENTICE — ideal word for tempting or leading someone on.
9A: Class for a cognitive science major, for short
The answer is PSYCH — a favorite subject for brains studying brains.
1D: Activities on the docket
The answer is PLANS — the schedule or what's next.
2D: Full of sexual desire
The answer is LUSTY — aggressive, dynamic, and lust-driven.
3D: Commonly cobwebby room
The solution is ATTIC — a room which conceals things that are old and gathers dust.
4D: From Prague, say
The solution is CZECH — national identity in plain sight.
5D: Jane in classic literature
The solution is EYRE — the heroine of Charlotte Brontë's classic novel.
6D: Not get rid of
The solution is KEEP — to retain, refuse to let go.
This puzzle might seem small, but its influence is wide. The Mini is often a go-to brain teaser, a speed challenge, or a calming break in the middle of a busy day. With just a few clues, it brings people together in curiosity and shared excitement.
The April 17 edition brings subtle surprises. The extra clue may have tricked some, but it also added spice. Whether breezing through or pausing on puns, today’s answers reflect a fine balance of challenge and charm.
The wordplay in “A time to dye?” shows the kind of smart punning that makes the Mini so special. Each day holds that same spark — fresh clues, modern references, and throwbacks to classics.
The NYT Mini Crossword keeps minds alert with its quick format. It's easy to access, simple to begin, and addictive once it becomes a habit. The joy of solving, even in under a minute, builds confidence and invites return.
Today's Mini once again blends themes, from Easter to literature to clumsiness, in a neat grid. Solvers searching for today’s NYT Mini Crossword Clues and Answers can now mark another successful run.
Missing a clue doesn’t mean the streak ends. A moment of confusion only sets up the joy of discovery. Tomorrow brings another chance, another challenge, and another quick dive into wordplay.
For more daily solutions, fans also explore Wordle, Connections, and Strands — but the Mini remains the gateway into the NYT’s world of daily puzzles tradition.
As always, the Mini continues to offer more than just clues and answers. It creates daily spark and connection — one five-letter word at a time.