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Overview –
The NYT Mini Crossword for October 21, 2025, delivers quick, clever wordplay with a focus on “J” words.
Each clue blends culture, logic, and language in a compact grid.
NYT Games keeps the daily puzzle ritual fresh and satisfying.
The New York Times Mini Crossword daily challenge provides a new mental warm-up every day. The October 21, 2025, issue continues the tradition by providing a short but satisfying grid for puzzle lovers.
Every morning, The New York Times Mini Crossword brings a quick and fun puzzle experience for word game lovers. It’s a smaller, faster challenge than the classic crossword but equally engaging. With sharp clues and smart wordplay, it keeps minds active and curious in just a few minutes.
This edition continues that streak with a grid full of clever references, short words, and cultural nods. Each clue holds a tiny spark of surprise, and every answer delivers a neat “aha” moment. Below are today’s clues, complete answers, and short one-line explanations that make sense of each.
Clue 1A: Bone that can be "dropped"
Answer: JAW
Explanation: The phrase “drop your jaw” expresses surprise or shock, fitting the clue perfectly.
Clue 4A: Late scientist Goodall
Answer: JANE
Explanation: Refers to Jane Goodall, the world-famous primatologist who transformed the study of chimpanzees.
Clue 5A: Make critical assumptions about
Answer: JUDGE
Explanation: To judge means to form an opinion, often before knowing the full story.
Clue 6A: Best by a little
Answer: ONE UP
Explanation: The phrase “one-up” means to slightly outdo someone or gain a small edge.
Clue 7A: Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, etc.
Answer: GODS
Explanation: These planets are named after Roman gods, connecting mythology with astronomy.
Clue 1D: Just kind of over it
Answer: JADED
Explanation: Feeling jaded means losing enthusiasm or excitement about something once enjoyed.
Clue 2D: Beef cattle breed
Answer: ANGUS
Explanation: Angus is a popular cattle breed known for premium quality beef.
Clue 3D: Shed tears
Answer: WEEP
Explanation: A simple synonym for crying, expressing deep emotion.
Clue 4D: 2007 comedy-drama starring Elliot Page and Michael Cera
Answer: JUNO
Explanation: The Oscar-winning film “Juno” starred Elliot Page and Michael Cera in leading roles.
Clue 5D: Refresh, as one’s memory
Answer: JOG
Explanation: “Jog one’s memory” means to help recall something that was forgotten.
Also Read – Today's NYT Wordle Hints and Answer for October 20 (Puzzle #1584)
The NYT Mini continues to deliver brainy fun in a compact grid. Today’s puzzle leans heavily on “J” words, Jaw, Jane, Judge, Jaded, Juno, Jog. Each clue feels fresh, each answer feels earned, and the puzzle ends with a clean sense of completion.
The beauty of The Mini lies in its quick satisfaction. It’s not about long-solving hours but about that rush of clarity when a clue finally clicks. Whether it’s mythology, pop culture, or plain word sense, every grid offers something new to think about.
Solving the NYT Mini each day has become a small ritual for many. It keeps minds sharp and rewards focus. The challenge lasts only minutes, yet the sense of completion lingers longer. Every edition reflects the wit and care of NYT Games, the team behind this beloved daily puzzle series that also includes Wordle, Connections, and Spelling Bee.
The NYT Mini continues to be a morning ritual for many, a mental stretch before the day begins. Each clue solved brings a moment of satisfaction, and today’s grid keeps that tradition alive. Another set of clues will arrive tomorrow, promising more quick fun and sharp thinking.
Tomorrow awaits another Mini, a new mix of words, wit, and quick-thinking joy from NYT Games. The puzzles keep coming, and the fun never slows down. Keep solving and keep the streak alive.
Stay tuned for the next edition and keep that solving streak alive. The charm of the Mini lies not in its length, but in its power to make every small victory feel grand.
Also Read – NYT Connections Hints and Answers for October 20, 2025
