The NYT Mini Crossword for Saturday, February 22, 2025, offers another fun and fast word puzzle experience for crossword enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned solver or just starting, today’s puzzle presents a mix of simple and clever word clues that make it both enjoyable and challenging.
Below, you’ll find the complete NYT Mini Crossword answers to help you solve today’s puzzle with ease.
NYT Mini Crossword Answers for February 22, 2025
The NYT Mini Crossword is a 5×5 grid that delivers a quick yet engaging word game. Below are the answers for today’s clues:
Across Clues and Answers
Size between sm. and lg. → MED
- “MED” stands for “medium,” fitting between small (sm.) and large (lg.).
Sharp parts of forks → TINES
- The prongs of a fork are called “tines.”
Cutting device found in a woodworking shop → BANDSAW
- A “bandsaw” is a woodworking tool used for precise cutting.
Pulitzer-winning author Louise ___ → ERDRICH
- Louise Erdrich is an acclaimed author known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning works.
Thanksgiving faux meat option → TOFURKY
- A popular vegetarian alternative to turkey.
Songs, informally → TUNES
- “Tunes” is a casual way to refer to songs.
Drug also called acid → LSD
- LSD, or lysergic acid diethylamide, is a hallucinogenic drug.
Down Clues and Answers
State of being consciously focused on the present → MINDFUL
- Being “mindful” means staying aware of the present moment.
Evasive maneuvers → ENDRUNS
- “End runs” refer to strategic moves to bypass obstacles.
Wished for → DESIRED
- Something “desired” is longed for or wanted.
Type of deck used in divination, with suits like wands and swords → TAROT
- Tarot cards are used in fortune-telling and feature symbolic suits.
Football tackles of the quarterback → SACKS
- A “sack” occurs when the quarterback is tackled before passing.
Phrase completion: ‘Oh yeah? Wanna ___?’ → BET
- “Wanna bet?” is a common challenge phrase.
Preschooler’s repeated question → WHY
- Young children often ask “why” repeatedly out of curiosity.
Tips for Solving the NYT Mini Crossword Faster
If you struggled with today’s puzzle, here are a few tips to improve your solving skills:
- Start with the short words – The 3-letter answers like “MED” and “LSD” are usually easy to fill in first.
- Look for common prefixes and suffixes – Words ending in “-ED” or “-S” can help unlock longer answers.
- Use cross-checking – If you’re unsure about a word, filling in a perpendicular clue can confirm or correct it.
Why Play the NYT Mini Crossword Daily?
The NYT Mini Crossword is the perfect quick puzzle for a daily mental boost. Its benefits include:
✅ Improves vocabulary – Learn new words and phrases.
✅ Enhances problem-solving skills – Develops logical thinking.
✅ Takes only a few minutes – Perfect for a quick break.
✅ Fun for all skill levels – A great introduction to crosswords.
If you love solving the Mini Crossword, bookmark this page to check for daily solutions!
Final Thoughts on Today’s NYT Mini Crossword
The NYT Mini Crossword for February 22, 2025, was a well-balanced puzzle with a mix of general knowledge, pop culture, and wordplay. Whether you completed it quickly or needed a few hints, each day’s puzzle offers a new chance to sharpen your skills.
Come back tomorrow for the next NYT Mini Crossword answers and keep enjoying your daily dose of wordplay!
