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The NYT Mini Crossword delivers a daily burst of clever wordplay in a compact 5x5 grid, offering quick yet thoughtful puzzles.
June 11's edition blended tech, geography, and humor, with standout clues like CTRL-X and ARUDE.
This bite-sized brain teaser has become a global ritual, promoting focus, fun, and curiosity in just minutes.
Every day, the NYT Mini Crossword welcomes a new batch of clever clues. Solvers enter a new puzzle, not too lengthy but just sharp enough to challenge the mind. It’s fast, fun, and has become a daily habit for word enthusiasts everywhere.
Today’s bite-sized puzzle might be small, but it doesn’t hold back. With only five Across and five Down clues, today’s edition keeps things snappy but far from dull. Whether solved over coffee or during a quick break, the Mini rewards sharp attention and a keen love for words.
Today's puzzle blends wordplay with character fun. Each clue today brings a playful twist. The Across portion begins easily with a martial arts suggestion. Down clues go from tossing coins to center stage. The Down list starts with chance.
1A clue: ___ chi
Answer: Tai
Tai chi is a Chinese form of martial art that is characterized by slow, flowing movements.
4A clue: Financially compensated
Answer: Paid
Paid indicates that someone has been paid money for work or services.
5A clue: Some things off the top of your head?
Answer: Hairs
This whimsical clue refers to hair on top of the head.
6A clue: Feels sick
Answer: Ails
Ails means to be ill or uncomfortable.
7A clue: ___ Peacock, character in Clue
Answer: Mrs
Mrs. Peacock is a character on the board game Clue.
1D clue: Coin flip call
Answer: Tails
Tails is one of the two possible outcomes when flipping a coin.
2D clue: Shows on TV
Answer: Airs
Airs means when a show is broadcast on television.
3D clue: Requests at the bar, informally
Answer: IDs
Bars often ask to see IDs to confirm the legal drinking age.
4D clue: Decent poker holding
Answer: Pair
A pair is a common poker hand, made of two matching cards.
5D clue: Person who loves attention
Answer: Ham
A ham is a person who likes to be in the limelight.
Every clue has its own pace. Some answers jump out quickly, while others demand a second read. That balance keeps the Mini engaging. It tests both knowledge and lateral thinking—two things that don’t always come together in a quick format.
Unlike longer puzzles, the Mini fits into tight moments. No need for hours. Just a few sharp thoughts, and the grid fills itself. Yet the challenge never feels too easy. Even seasoned solvers might pause on a clever clue or punny twist.
The NYT Mini Crossword brightens and energizes a day. June 12’s puzzle once again proves why the format holds attention. All the clues today were intentional, accurate, and laced with the right amount of humor.
Solvers come back every day because of it. Each puzzle presents a feeling of fulfillment that is relaxed yet satisfying. Today's one does that easily, with clues that flirt with humor, games, and a touch of everyday life.
Those aiming for a streak or seeking a moment of thoughtful escape find it here. The Mini doesn’t ask for much time, but it offers something more valuable: a chance to play, to think, and to learn something tiny but new.
June 12's puzzle closes the loop on another round of daily fun. Tomorrow brings a new batch, a new twist, and another chance to crack the code. Let the streak live on. Stay sharp, stay curious, and meet the grid again with fresh eyes.
Also Read – NYT Wordle Hints and Answer for June 12, 2025 (Puzzle #1454)
