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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.
The New York Times Mini Crossword returns today with another small but clever puzzle. Every day, this short crossword gives players a quick challenge. It fits easily into busy mornings, short breaks, or quiet evenings. December 18 brings a new set of clues that feel fresh, simple, and fun.
The Mini Crossword stands apart from the full-size puzzle. It takes only a few minutes to solve, yet it still tests memory and word skills. Many players enjoy racing against the clock. Others enjoy the calm joy of filling each square correctly. Today’s puzzle works well for both styles.
This edition mixes daily life words with pop culture and modern tech language. One clue even reflects current online trends. The grid stays friendly and smooth, which makes solving feel easy and rewarding.
Below is a clear look at today’s clues, answers, and simple meanings.
1A: Faux ___ (misstep)
Answer: PAS
Explanation: The phrase “faux pas” means a small social mistake.
4A: Folder for unfinished emails
Answer: DRAFTS
Explanation: Emails saved before sending stay in the drafts folder.
7A: Low-quality, machine-generated content, informally
Answer: AISLOP
Explanation: This term describes weak or messy content made by AI.
8A: Field of plants
Answer: BOTANY
Explanation: Botany is the study of plants and plant life.
9A: Had a bite
Answer: ATE
Explanation: Ate is the past form of eat.
1D: Small yellow bowties, say
Answer: PASTA
Explanation: Bowtie-shaped pasta often looks yellow.
2D: Black piano key next to G
Answer: AFLAT
Explanation: A-flat sits next to G on a piano keyboard.
3D: Piece of equipment in curling
Answer: STONE
Explanation: Curling players slide stones across the ice.
4D: Faddish dance move of the mid-2010s
Answer: DAB
Explanation: The dab became a popular dance move during that time.
5D: ___ de Janeiro
Answer: RIO
Explanation: Rio is a famous city in Brazil.
6D: Costume that might include a black trench coat and sunglasses
Answer: SPY
Explanation: Spies often wear dark coats and sunglasses in movies.
Also Read – NYT Wordle Answer Today for December 17, 2025: Hints and Expert Walkthrough Revealed
Today’s puzzle flows nicely from start to finish. The clues feel fair and clear. Early answers help unlock later ones. The mix of short and longer words keeps the grid balanced.
The AI-related clue stands out. It shows how crossword puzzles change with time. The New York Times Mini often adds modern words without making the puzzle hard. That balance keeps players coming back every day.
Simple clues like ATE and RIO help maintain speed. Slightly longer answers like DRAFTS and BOTANY add depth. Together, they create a clean solving experience.
The NYT Mini Crossword has become part of the daily routine for many players. It offers a quick win and a small mental boost. Unlike longer puzzles, it never feels tiring.
The Mini also connects well with other NYT Games. Fans often play Wordle, Connections, Strands, and the Mini one after another. Each game offers a different type of challenge. Together, they form a full daily puzzle habit.
Today’s Mini fits perfectly into that routine. It feels light, smart, and current.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword for December 18 delivers another enjoyable puzzle. The clues stay simple. The answers feel familiar. The overall experience remains smooth and fun.
As always, the Mini welcomes players with a fresh challenge every day. Tomorrow awaits with another new grid, new clues, and new answers. Along with other NYT Games, the Mini continues to bring daily moments of focus and fun for puzzle lovers everywhere.
Also Read – Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for December 17, 2025
