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The New York Times Mini Crossword offers solvers a new set of clues each day. For February 3, 2025, today is a puzzle with some fast-paced and fun challenges. Clues are both simple and playful in this one, which provides an ideal balance for those crossword fans who need a quick mental exercise.
Each Mini Crossword offers a 5x5 grid of clues, both across and down. Whether solving quickly over morning coffee or while waiting for the bus, this puzzle is designed to be completed in minutes.
1A: Unit of toilet paper
The answer is ROLL.
A simple start to today's puzzle. It's one of the easiest clues, and there's no mistaking it.
5A: Cookie advertised with the slogan "Twist, Lick, Dunk"
Here’s a delicious clue: the answer is OREO.
A popular cookie brand that needs no introduction. That famous slogan immediately gives it away. It’s hard not to think about grabbing one after solving this clue!
6A: Word after bird or binge
The answer is WATCH.
This one’s a straightforward pairing. Birdwatching and binge-watching are familiar terms, making it easy to fill in the blank.
8A: Amused text shorthand
The answer is LMAO.
Sometimes, an internet abbreviation for laughter, used to describe humor in text messages and instant messenger conversations.
9A: What always goes to waist?
The answer is BELT.
A clever play on words, but a question that really only suggests that something physical is going to waste. The answer, however, is a belt-a pretty common item-worn at the waist.
1D: One of five in a Mini crossword
The answer is ROW.
In any crossword, a row usually consists of five clues, and this is no different. Easy but vital.
2D: Dental care brand
The answer is ORALB.
Oral-B is a brand associated with oral care products, making this a rather easy clue to solve.
3D: "Please, it would be my pleasure"
The answer is LETME.
A polite phrase is often heard when someone offers to help or do something for another.
4D: ___ news (11 p.m. broadcast)
The answer is LOCAL.
Local news airs around the evening, typically at 11 p.m. The clue's simplicity made it an easy guess for solvers.
7D: Like jalapeños and Death Valley
The answer is HOT.
Both the jalapeño and Death Valley are associated with extreme heat. This is a fun and fiery clue to complete the puzzle.
The New York Times Mini Crossword offers a smaller, faster puzzle compared to its larger counterpart. It's perfect for a quick challenge, allowing solvers to enjoy some wordplay while fitting it into even the busiest day.
As with every Monday edition, today's is a bit of the easier side and represents a good balance between fun and relaxation. The clues are relatively simple but still offer some moments of wit and humor. From food-related clues to pop culture references, today's puzzle delivers a well-rounded challenge.
Whether solving on the go or quietly at home, this 5x5 puzzle of clues may be solved in just a few minutes. There's something nice about answers that include OREO, WATCH, and LMAO-that feels both casual and satisfying. No complex strategy or long-term thinking is necessary; this one rewards a quick wit and general knowledge.
This mini crossword is such a delightful daily ritual for most solvers, regardless of the type of puzzle lover they may be. If one is seasoned, or someone who just likes a fun diversion, this crossword puzzle has it all. Format remains the same; new clues and answers added daily.
It's the hardest of the week, the Saturday edition of the Mini Crossword. Of course, this being Monday, today's puzzle is light and fun. It is meant to be easy going into the week. The simplicity of today's answers, such as ROLL and BELT, leaves for a nice, relaxing experience without sacrificing any sense of the challenge of solving a crossword.
Today's puzzle was created to help people have a quick and enjoyable mental workout. It is the perfect way to challenge your mind without it getting too confused. From wordplay clues to those with a little bit of wordplay, answers come together easily yet offer that sense of accomplishment.
While the crossword world may be getting more complicated as the week goes on, today's puzzle gives a welcome opportunity to test crossword skills at a comfortable pace. Each clue offers just the right amount of challenge without straying too far from the theme.
