Need a nudge before the solutions? The October 16, 2025 NYT Mini has five Across and five Down entries. Start with the letter hints below, then open the answer key when you’re ready.
Spoiler-free hints
Each hint gives just a starting or ending letter. These are for the October 16, 2025 puzzle, not today’s Mini.
Across
- 1A: Starts with W
- 5A: Ends with A
- 6A: Ends with S
- 7A: Starts with I
- 8A: Ends with S
Down
- 1D: Ends with A
- 2D: Starts with I
- 3D: Ends with S
- 4D: Starts with E
- 5D: Starts with S
Full answer key
Spoilers below.
Across
| Clue | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1A: “Red or white, but not blue” | WINE |
| 5A: “Island country whose culture inspired much of ‘Moana’” | SAMOA |
| 6A: “Garlic ___ (pizzeria appetizer)” | KNOTS |
| 7A: “Small coastal waterway” | INLET |
| 8A: “Protective football gear” | PADS |
Down
| Clue | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1D: “‘___ bet?’” | WANNA |
| 2D: “Remark after not getting a modern reference” | IMOLD |
| 3D: “Movie studio’s feedback for a director” | NOTES |
| 4D: “3 o’clock, directionally” | EAST |
| 5D: “Button pressed to escape a YouTube ad” | SKIP |
About this puzzle
The answer key is for the Thursday, October 16, 2025 edition. Forbes describes the usual weekday Mini as a five-by-five grid, while noting that Saturday puzzles can be larger. Its guide also says the NYT Games subscription provides access to past puzzles in the archives; access terms and availability may vary.
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