
The NYT Mini Crossword delivers daily brain-teasing fun with clever clues across pop culture, grammar, and trivia.
June 16’s puzzle featured answers like LORIS, BISON, and ALICE, offering a balanced mix of challenge and charm.
It’s a quick mental workout that rewards sharp thinking and builds a satisfying daily habit.
Each day brings a new challenge from The New York Times Mini Crossword. With only a few clues, this puzzle blends fun with brainwork. It arrives daily with clever twists, tapping into pop culture, language, and logic.
June 16, 2025, follows the same pattern. A new set of clues. A fresh dose of challenge. A tiny grid, but not short on surprises. This is where word fans meet their daily dose of wit, speed, and skill.
1A clue: Slow ___ (primate with big eyes)
Answer: LORIS
This adorable nocturnal creature is known for its wide eyes and gentle pace.
6A clue: Title character who says, “I’ve often seen a cat without a grin... but a grin without a cat!”
Answer: ALICE
This quote comes from Alice in Wonderland, adding a whimsical literary touch.
7A clue: National mammal of the United States
Answer: BISON
Majestic and historic, the bison symbolizes strength and heritage.
8A clue: Something to R.S.V.P. for
Answer: EVENT
Whether it’s a wedding or a dinner, an event often calls for that polite reply.
9A clue: Word commonly mixed up with “fewer”
Answer: LESS
A classic grammar test. “Less” refers to mass nouns; “fewer” counts specific items.
1D clue: Where care instructions are often found on a garment
Answer: LABEL
A hidden tag that tells how to wash, dry, or iron with care.
2D clue: Main ingredient in tapenade
Answer: OLIVE
A rich Mediterranean spread starts with this salty base.
3D clue: Gets up
Answer: RISES
Simple and active. Whether it's the sun or a person, it rises.
4D clue: Array on a touchscreen
Answer: ICONS
Taps, swipes, and all those tiny symbols that guide the digital world.
5D clue: Email status
Answer: SENT
One word, but it marks completion. Message gone. Task done.
The NYT Mini never repeats the same rhythm. Each day brings something fresh. Even within a 5x5 grid, it captures variety. From zoology to American symbols. From Lewis Carroll to olive-based spreads.
Today’s puzzle felt lively. It didn’t stretch long, but every clue hit the mark. Clever phrasing made simple answers feel earned. The connections between clues flowed well. Short clues, clear ideas, and a sharp design delivered a quick but full experience.
The bison brought national pride into play. “Loris” added a wild card. “Alice” reminded me of childhood wonder. And “less” gave the grammar sticklers something to smile or groan about. The balance worked.
June 16’s NYT Mini Crossword offered more than answers. It brought a moment of delight, a dash of learning, and a flash of insight. All within minutes. That’s the beauty of the Mini—it respects time while keeping the mind active.
No need to feel bad about missing a clue. Tomorrow opens a fresh chance. A clean slate. A new grid. A new mix of clues. The Mini keeps coming back—always short, always smart, and always worth it.
Keep the streak going. Or start one now. Because this tiny puzzle isn’t just a game. It’s a daily habit that trains the mind and sparks curiosity.
Also Read – NYT Wordle Hints and Answer for June 16, 2025 (Puzzle #1458)