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The May 23 NYT Mini Crossword delivers clever, bite-sized fun through witty clues and wordplay.
Clues blend trivia, puns, and common knowledge, offering a quick yet rewarding challenge.
Free to play daily, it’s a go-to brain boost for solvers worldwide.
Each day brings something new, and the NYT Mini Crossword delivers every day. Designed for swift thinkers and speedy solvers, this tiny puzzle loads clever wordplay into a quick but clever experience. Morning coffee or afternoon break, it's a moment of respite with intent.
May 23 introduces another witty creation from The New York Times Mini series. Another set of hints. Another set of answers. And the same thrill of breaking the code. Every clue leverages general knowledge with a twist, paving the way for a fun and concentrated challenge.
The new edition maintains the wit but not the bloat. The clues zip along, but one recalcitrant word can turn the tide. That's where every answer provides insight and simplicity.
Clue: Chooses to receive marketing emails, with "in"
Answer: OPTS
Explanation: Familiar email jargon, "opt in" indicates a decision to subscribe.
Clue: Buck ___, first Black coach in Major League Baseball (1962)
Answer: ONEIL
Explanation: In tribute to Buck O'Neil, a trailblazer in baseball whose legacy paved the way.
Clue: Like your epidermis?
Answer: SKINNY
Explanation: A play on "skin" and "skinny" linking biology and slang.
Clue: Like the element Fe?
Answer: IRONY
Explanation: Fe is for iron, and the answer is a play on "iron-y" as a pun.
Clue: Quite a lot of
Answer: MANY
Explanation: An uncomplicated synonym for lots of.
Clue: Bulb in the kitchen
Answer: ONION
Explanation: A food staple, bulb-shaped, and found in most meals.
Clue: Like an ink-filled writing tool?
Answer: PENNY
Explanation: A punning substitution for the word "pen."
Clue: Microscopic
Answer: TINY
Explanation: Both words represent something incredibly small in size.
Clue: Acting deviously
Answer: SLY
Explanation: An excellent description for deceptive or cunning action.
Clue: Green gumbo ingredient
Answer: OKRA
Explanation: A traditional gumbo vegetable with green pods.
Clue: ___ card (smartphone chip)
Answer: SIM
Explanation: Abbreviation for Subscriber Identity Module, used in phones.
Every clue is part of a larger puzzle system. The Mini doesn't just try speed. It constructs pattern recognition. It plays on double meanings. It converts common knowledge into designed fun.
What makes May 23 stand out isn’t the difficulty but the cleverness. From wordplay to trivia, the mix keeps things fresh. The epidermis clue, in particular, adds a light laugh. Meanwhile, the Fe clue blends science with sarcasm. That’s the Mini at its best—tight, tidy, and terrific.
The NYT Games section remains a daily destination for puzzle fans. The Mini joins a family of games including Wordle, Connections, and Strands. While most need subscriptions, the daily Mini remains free. Every day opens access to the current challenge. Archives require a membership, but the present is always ready to play.
This set of clues continues the Mini’s streak of offering smart but manageable fun. For those needing a nudge, hints help without spoiling. For those racing the clock, answers offer closure. It’s the best of both puzzle worlds.
May 23 adds another smart spark to the daily puzzle tradition. Whether the goal is speed or satisfaction, today’s Mini delivers. Solvers across the world—casual or competitive—get the same thrill.
Puzzles this short can still feel rich. That’s the NYT Mini difference. In just a dozen clues, a complete mental loop forms. From first guess to final square, it’s fast, fun, and rewarding.
Also Read: Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for May 22, 2025
