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The October 31 NYT Mini featured a fun Halloween twist with a hidden “BOO!” in the grid.
The puzzle cleverly used “BOO!” to form words like “CABOOSE” and “BUGABOO.”
The puzzle blended creativity, learning, and festive cheer in a short, smart format.
The NYT Mini brings a quick daily challenge for puzzle lovers across the world. Each grid is designed to spark quick thinking, test word sense, and offer a fun mental warm-up before the day begins. The October 31, 2025, edition arrived with a delightful Halloween twist, a little “BOO!” hidden inside the grid to surprise even the most seasoned solvers.
Unlike the classic full-sized crossword, The Mini keeps things brisk and light. Each clue demands quick logic and word recall, often leading to an “aha” moment. For Halloween, today’s puzzle added a special trick - a “BOO!” square in the grid that ties into two major answers.
Let’s dive into today’s set of clues, complete with answers and quick one-line explanations.
1A. Buffalo hockey player
Answer: SABRE
Explanation: A nod to the Buffalo Sabres, the NHL team from New York.
6A. “I’ll have the ___” (frequent customer’s order)
Answer: USUAL
Explanation: What a regular diner says when ordering their go-to meal.
7A. Contents of a volcano
Answer: MAGMA
Explanation: The hot molten rock inside a volcano that becomes lava when it erupts.
8A. Adjust to a new environment
Answer: ADAPT
Explanation: To change or fit comfortably into new surroundings.
9A. With 10-Across, last car on a train
Answer: CA
Explanation: Combined with 10-Across, and with “BOO!” in the grid, forms the word “CABOOSE.”
10A. See 9-Across
Answer: SE
Explanation: Together with 9-Across and “BOO!”, creates “CABOOSE,” the train’s rear car.
1D. “Poison” shrub
Answer: SUMAC
Explanation: A shrub known for its vivid red clusters, some of which can be toxic.
2D. Carne ___
Answer: ASADA
Explanation: Spanish for “grilled meat,” a popular dish in Mexican cuisine.
3D. Imaginary cause of fear
Answer: BUGA
Explanation: With the “BOO!” in the grid, it becomes “BUGABOO,” meaning an imaginary fear or false alarm.
4D. Accessible alternatives to staircases
Answer: RAMPS
Explanation: Sloped pathways that make spaces accessible for everyone.
5D. Make extremely happy
Answer: ELATE
Explanation: To fill someone with joy or delight.
Also Read – NYT Wordle Answer Today for October 31, 2025: Hints and Final Solution Revealed with Expert Walkthrough
The NYT Mini of today included a smart Halloween theme by concealing “BOO!” directly in the grid. It was not merely for amusement; it contributed significantly to solving two words: “CABOOSE” and “BUGABOO.” That amusing surprise fit the Halloween mood perfectly, providing the puzzlers with a treat and a trick in a single neat puzzle.
The NYT’s puzzle creators are known for such creative touches, and this one was remarkable for its straightforwardness and humor. It’s a reminder that even the smallest crossword can offer brilliant design and holiday cheer.
Each day’s Mini presents a new combination of wordplay and learning, and this one had a bit more character. The clues varied from sports and food to geology and Halloween jokes; everyone could find something in them. It demonstrated The Mini’s continuous freshness and faithful adherence to its quick format.
Even a five-letter clue can spark curiosity and teach something new, whether it’s the meaning of “SUMAC” or how “BUGABOO” links to folklore. Every small victory in The Mini feels rewarding, and today’s puzzle delivered that perfectly.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword for October 31, 2025, presented a delightful mixture of smart clues and a holiday “BOO!” twist that made it unforgettable. It spotlighted the NYT Games' capability of keeping the short puzzles interesting and of having a great personality.
Tomorrow awaits another fresh grid from NYT Games, bringing a brand-new challenge and a few surprises to test sharp minds once again. The Mini may be small in size, but it never runs short on creativity or charm.
Also Read – Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for October 30, 2025
