
NYT Mini Crossword for Aug 21, 2025, brings Q-heavy clues with smart trivia.
Answers range from FAQs to Squid, blending culture, food, and myth.
NYT Games like Mini, Wordle, and Connections create daily puzzle rituals.
The NYT Mini brings a new challenge every single day. It arrives fresh, fast, and full of clever wordplay. August 21, 2025, continues that tradition with a compact puzzle that mixes trivia, wit, and sharp clues.
Unlike the longer New York Times Crossword, which demands patience and deeper solving, the Mini is designed for speed. It has become a ritual for thousands who chase completion times or simply enjoy a burst of wordplay. Today’s grid comes packed with Q-heavy entries and short, snappy clues that stand out.
1A Clue: Common queries, informally
Answer: FAQs
Explanation: A shorthand for “frequently asked questions.”
5A Clue: Only four-letter country with a “Q” in its name
Answer: Iraq
Explanation: A Middle Eastern nation whose unique spelling makes it stand out in geography trivia.
6A Clue: TV’s “The White ___”
Answer: Lotus
Explanation: Refers to the award-winning HBO drama known for its sharp satire and luxury-resort mystery.
8A Clue: Something you might “Mark as read”
Answer: Email
Explanation: Everyday digital behavior that clears an inbox with one tap or click.
9A Clue: Late
Answer: Tardy
Explanation: A direct word often used in schools to mark absence or delay.
1D Clue: ___ mignon
Answer: Filet
Explanation: A tender cut of beef, popular in fine dining menus worldwide.
2D Clue: Burnt toast has a strong one
Answer: Aroma
Explanation: The smell is instantly noticeable when overcooked.
3D Clue: Only five-letter country with a “Q” in its name
Answer: Qatar
Explanation: A Middle Eastern nation known for hosting global sports. A Gulf nation noted for its global presence, including hosting the FIFA World Cup
4D Clue: Likely inspiration for the mythical kraken
Answer: Squid
Explanation: The giant squid inspired many sea monster tales.
7D Clue: Sneaky
Answer: Sly
Explanation: A short word often tied to cunning behavior.
Also Read – NYT Connections January 26, 2025 Hints and Answers: Word Game Challenge
This edition of the Mini highlights the charm of brevity. From FAQs rooted in modern internet culture to squid legends beneath the sea, the answers pull from varied corners of life. Geography, television, food, and myth blend inside a single tiny grid.
The cluster of “Q” words in both Iraq and Qatar sets today’s puzzle apart. Those rare letters inject extra sparkle for solvers, making the challenge memorable. Each clue builds satisfaction in its own quick way, leaving no entry without a touch of curiosity.
The Mini’s enduring appeal lies in its versatility. Some play to set records, completing in seconds. Others linger, savoring the trivia and playful references. Every solver, however, feels the same rush of clarity when the final square clicks into place.
The NYT Mini for August 21, 2025, proves once again why this small puzzle has such a big influence. Simple, sharp, and satisfying, it transforms spare minutes into moments of joy. Today’s answers range from FAQs to squid, creating a balanced mix of modern life and timeless trivia.
Tomorrow awaits with a new challenge, another set of clues, and more answers ready to test quick thinking. The New York Times Games section continues to expand with hits like Wordle, Connections, and Strands. Together, they form a daily ritual of puzzles that spark curiosity and sharpen the mind.
The Mini may be small, but it keeps puzzle-lovers coming back every day.
Also Read – Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for August 20, 2025