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Today’s NYT Mini Crossword for December 16 offers short but clever clues that test speed, logic, and everyday word knowledge.
Each across and down clue has a clear answer with simple explanations, making the puzzle easy to understand and enjoyable.
The Mini Crossword gives a quick sense of achievement and prepares solvers for other NYT Games like Wordle and Connections.
The New York Times Mini Crossword is a small daily puzzle that tests thinking, word knowledge, and speed. Today, December 16, 2025, brings another fun set of clues for puzzle lovers. Each clue is short but smart. Some make solvers think, some make them smile. The Mini Crossword is perfect for a quick break or a few minutes of mental exercise.
The Mini Crossword is different from the full-size version. It has a small grid, fewer clues, and is meant to be solved quickly. It mixes words, culture, and logic. Even a simple-looking clue can trick the solver. For anyone stuck, knowing the answers and hints can help complete the puzzle and enjoy the satisfaction of solving it.
This edition tests speed, logic, and pattern recognition in a small grid. A single tricky clue can slow even experienced solvers, so having a guide is useful. Below are all the clues with their answers and brief explanations.
1A: It has a trunk
Answer: CAR
Explanation: A vehicle with a storage space at the front or back.
4A: Kentucky senator ___ Paul
Answer: RAND
Explanation: Refers to Senator Rand Paul from Kentucky.
5A: They have branches
Answer: BANKS
Explanation: Banks have branches in different locations.
6A: Nowhere to be found
Answer: AWOL
Explanation: Means someone is missing without permission.
7A: It has a trunk and branches
Answer: TREE
Explanation: A tree has a trunk and branches, a simple natural object.
1D: Something that's carried while portaging, perhaps
Answer: CANOE
Explanation: A small boat carried over land to another water place.
2D: ___ breaker, basketball move that causes the defender to fall over
Answer: ANKLE
Explanation: A basketball move that makes the defender stumble.
3D: Two in a fork?: Abbr.
Answer: RDS
Explanation: Stands for roads. A fork in the road splits into two.
4D: Sound that imitates a lion or dinosaur
Answer: RAWR
Explanation: A fun sound like a roar used in comics or jokes.
5D: Symbol in the night sky over Gotham
Answer: BAT
Explanation: Refers to the Bat-Signal from Batman’s city.
Also Read – Today's NYT Wordle Hints and Answer for December 16, 2025 (Puzzle #1641)
The Mini Crossword is a miniature, rapid, and clever thing. New hints are handed out every day that challenge the mind. The game consists of simple answers along with difficult ones. December 16 has several clues that are based on puns, ordinary objects, and cultural references.
Solving the Mini Crossword gives a sense of achievement. It is short but still satisfying. Many people solve it in a few minutes, making it perfect for daily mental exercise. It also prepares the mind for other NYT Games like Wordle, Connections, and Strands.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword answers for December 16 are now complete. Each clue has its answer explained in simple words. The puzzle brings fun, learning, and a quick challenge.
Tomorrow awaits a new set of clues with another Mini Crossword, ready to test thinking again. NYT Games also offers other fun puzzles daily, keeping the brain sharp and entertained. Solvers can look forward to fresh challenges every day, whether it is the Mini Crossword, Wordle, or Connections.
Also Read – Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for December 15, 2025
