The NYT Mini Crossword for Monday, March 24, 2025, delivers a smart and compact challenge perfect for starting your week with a burst of brainpower. Today’s puzzle is rich in straightforward definitions, word associations, and a touch of lateral thinking — making it a satisfying solve for any skill level. Below are the fully solved clues and answers to keep your streak alive.
NYT Mini Crossword Answers for March 24, 2025
Across Clues and Answers
Document that proves identity → ID
A two-letter abbreviation for a personal identification card.
Highway division → LANE
A designated strip of road for vehicles moving in the same direction.
Makes a mistake → ERRS
A formal way to say someone goes wrong or slips up.
Fish that shares a name with a fruit → TUNA
“Tuna” is a type of fish and also a term for prickly pear fruit in some cultures.
Sleep phase with vivid dreams (abbr.) → REM
Short for Rapid Eye Movement — the deepest sleep stage.
Down Clues and Answers
Where elbows and knees bend → JOINT
A flexible point connecting bones in the body.
Creepy hotel room number in “The Shining” → 237
An infamous fictional room associated with horror and mystery.
Response to a punchline → LOL
Internet shorthand for “laughing out loud.”
Stack of bills → WAD
A thick pile of folded cash or paper.
The “M” in MSG → MONO
Short for “monosodium,” part of MSG (monosodium glutamate).
Tips to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Like a Pro
Tackle short clues first — 2- or 3-letter answers are often easy wins that give you a foothold.
Rely on cross-checking — Use solved Across words to guide Down answers (and vice versa).
Stay alert for abbreviations — Common in the Mini, as seen in “REM” and “MSG”.
Think literally and laterally — Not every clue is a riddle; some are just straightforward definitions.
Why the NYT Mini Crossword is Worth Your Daily Time
It’s a quick win that gives your brain a boost in 2–5 minutes.
Helps build your vocabulary and pattern recognition.
Offers daily satisfaction and momentum — especially for streak chasers.
Great for all levels, from beginners to crossword veterans.
