Jul 26, 2025
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The NYT Mini offers a daily, bite-sized crossword with clever and fresh clues.
May 16's puzzle balanced fun, logic, and familiar phrases in a compact grid.
The Mini remains a daily habit for word lovers across all skill levels.
The New York Times Mini Crossword returns daily as a pocket-sized puzzle loaded with charm, wit, and wordplay. It’s short, sharp, and satisfying. No need for hours of solving. Just a quick challenge for the mind.
Every morning brings a new set of clever clues that entertain and sometimes stump even seasoned solvers. Today's set, May 16, 2025, offers another round of fast-paced fun. Each clue brings something familiar, yet framed with fresh perspective. That's what keeps the Mini loved across generations.
The Friday edition of the NYT Mini introduced another five-by-five grid packed with a diverse mix of pop culture, language, and logic. The challenge began from the very first clue and kept the pace till the last box. Every square matters. One word can unlock the entire puzzle or block the flow completely. That’s the thrill of the Mini.
1A: Unit of distance that can precede "stone" and "age"
Answer: MILE
Mile is a form that both of these sentences—"milestone" and "mile-age"—seemingly fit with perfect sense.
5A: Kind of powder used for hot chocolate
Answer: COCOA
Cocoa is the sweet, luxurious powder one needs for every warm chocolate beverage.
6A: On the button
Answer: EXACT
"On the button" is a term meaning exact, just as the word "exact" does.
7A: Connections
Answer: LINKS
Links are for relations, such as the links in a chain or net.
8A: "___ not and say we did!"
Answer: LETS
A child's phrase with a playful ending of "let's," implying make-believe without action.
1D: Gutsy determination
Answer: MOXIE
Moxie is a bold spirit and fearlessness from a bygone age.
2D: "That's not gonna work for me."
Answer: ICANT
Blunt refusal—"I can't" shuts the door on the possibility.
3D: Strands
Answer: LOCKS
Strands are usually hair, so "locks" is the appropriate word.
4D: Has a bite
Answer: EATS
"Has a bite" refers to taking food, so "eats" is an obvious choice.
5D: Spreadsheet unit
Answer: CELL
A cell is the smallest editable block in any spreadsheet format.
Each clue had its twist. Some leaned into idioms. Others leaned into the literal meaning. That’s the trademark of the Mini—it dances between straightforward and sneaky. In just five rows and five columns, it offers a snapshot of wordplay at its finest.
Puzzles like today’s continue to show why the Mini remains a favorite. It speaks to all kinds of players—those who like structure, those who love surprises, and everyone in between.
The NYT Mini isn’t just a crossword—it’s a ritual. A short burst of language gymnastics every day. New clues arrive each morning, bringing fresh perspectives and different moods. Sometimes light, sometimes tricky—but always fun.
Today’s clues, while not overly difficult, still carried that NYT charm. The mix of casual language with classic definitions kept the solving balanced. It’s this blend that keeps the experience so satisfying.
Today's puzzle wrapped up with confidence. Answers snapped into place once the clues clicked. For some, that “aha” moment came quickly. For others, it came after a pause. Either way, each solved square brought its own reward. More clues await tomorrow. The Mini returns, bringing its signature five-minute brain buzz. For now, the answers to May 16 stand complete – clean, clever, and satisfying.
New clues arrive tomorrow. A new test, a new tease, and another chance to beat the clock or sharpen the skill. The beauty of the Mini is its daily rhythm. It builds a quiet streak that players come to love. The answers today remind solvers of language's beauty and puzzle-making's art.
Solvers who missed a word or two now have clarity. Those who got it all can nod proudly. The challenge ends today, but the game begins again tomorrow. That’s the Mini magic.
