Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteNeed a hint or checking the finished grid? Here are the clues and answers for the NYT Mini dated Wednesday, September 17, 2025. Hints come first; the complete answer key follows under a spoiler warning.
Hints for the September 17 Mini
Across
- 1A: Could be better, could be worse.
- 5A: Large piece, as in metal.
- 6A: What many Tinder users are looking to arrange.
- 7A: Swedish big-box giant.
- 8A: “____ up,” meaning improve or become happier.
Down
- 1D: “____ It Off,” a Taylor Swift hit.
- 2D: The dartboard ring with the largest diameter.
- 3D: Move stealthily.
- 4D: Approves.
- 6D: A quick swim on a hot day.
Spoiler: September 17, 2025 answers
Across
- 1A — Middling: SO-SO
- 5A — Attractive, muscular guy: HUNK
- 6A — 1/23/45 and 6/7/89: DATES
- 7A — Big name in flat-pack furniture: IKEA
- 8A — Job benefit: PERK
Down
- 1D — Ice cream drink: SHAKE
- 2D — Word with space or Banks: OUTER
- 3D — Quarterback running play: SNEAK
- 4D — Signs off on: OKS
- 6D — Buy the ___ (investing strategy): DIP
About the NYT Mini
The Mini is a compact counterpart to the New York Times’ larger crossword. Forbes describes most daily grids as five by five, generally with three to five clues in each direction; some puzzles, especially Saturdays, are larger. The September 17 answer coverage does not identify a special theme for this puzzle. Forbes’ September 16, 2025 guide and a separate Try Hard Guides answer guide both list the solutions above.
Playing the Mini and accessing its archive
Forbes reported on September 16, 2025 that playing the Mini required an NYT Games subscription and that previous puzzles in the archive also required one. That is dated access information, not confirmation of current subscription terms or pricing; check the New York Times Games service for the terms in effect when you play. Forbes’ report covers the change.
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