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The New York Times Mini Crossword presents this challenge daily, so welcome new thrilling challenge of your word abilities! Whether you're an old pro or just beginning, this puzzle on March 5, 2025, presents a pleasant combination of challenges to your knowledge and your wit. If you got stuck, don't worry—we've got the solutions and solutions below.
1A: Moon stage, like 8-Across or 2-Down
Answer: PHASE
The moon goes through various stages, or phases, like full and half.
6A: Comedic actor ___ Baron Cohen
Answer: SACHA
This is a reference to Sacha Baron Cohen, the actor known for his performances in "Borat" and "The Dictator."
7A: Change
Answer: ALTER
To modify or change something is to alter it.
8A: See 1-Across
Answer: FULL
A full moon is a phase of the moon.
9A: Paper towel layer
Answer: PLY
The number of plies indicates the thickness of paper towels.
1D: Educational TV spot, for short
Answer: PSA
A Public Service Announcement is an educational message shown on TV to inform or educate the viewers.
2D: See 1-Across
Answer: HALF
A half moon is another phase of the moon.
3D Misbehave … or malfunction
Answer: ACT UP
When a thing malfunctions or an individual misbehaves, they 'act up.'
4D: Beachcomber’s keepsake
Answer: SHELL
A shell is a typical beachcomber's find.
5D: How nervous travelers arrive at the airport
Answer: EARLY
Worriers about missing flights will get to the airport early.
The Mini Crossword is a great way to keep your mind active while still fitting into even the most hectic of schedules. These short but rewarding puzzles are perfect for honing your thinking abilities, building your vocabulary, and introducing a fun mental challenge to your day.
Every puzzle is a combination of pop culture, general trivia, and witty wordplay. Whether you zip through it or get bogged down on one or two clues, every try makes your problem-solving muscles stronger.
If you liked today's puzzle, be sure to return tomorrow for a new set of clues and answers! The charm of these little crosswords is that they provide a daily fix of mental stimulation without requiring too much time.
You can play alone, beat the clock, or even share answers with friends. Whatever your style, the challenge keeps your mind active while introducing a bit of entertainment into your routine.
The New York Times Mini Crossword is still one of the most popular daily puzzles for a reason. With fresh themes and clever wordplay every day, there's always something new to anticipate. To increase your solving speed and accuracy, try to practice on a regular basis and increase your knowledge of words.
Did you find today’s puzzle easy or tricky? Share your thoughts with fellow crossword enthusiasts! Discussing the clues and learning from each challenge makes solving even more enjoyable.
