The New York Times Mini Crossword remains a daily favorite for word puzzle fans everywhere. With its fast, satisfying challenge in just 5×5 squares, it’s the perfect brain boost—whether you have two minutes over your morning coffee or a quick break between meetings.
How to Play NYT Mini Crossword
Unlike the full-sized New York Times Crossword, the Mini offers a simpler, more accessible experience. Clues are straightforward, and the compact grid can be solved in a matter of minutes. Just click or tap a square to type your answer and switch between Across and Down clues easily. The goal is to complete the puzzle as quickly as possible—no obscure trivia required.
Today’s Clues & Answers – June 30, 2025
✅ All answers are verified as correct for today’s puzzle:
Across
1A. Something made of gold or onion
RING
5A. Title for a Mideast ruler
EMIR
6A. “Jeopardy!” round with just one clue
FINAL
8A. ___ baby
NEPO
9A. Competed in Pictionary
DREW
Down
1D. Soccer official
REF
2D. “Yeah, that bothers me”
IMIND
3D. San Francisco football player, informally
NINER
4D. Flavor of purple Skittles
GRAPE
7D. Flo Rida hit with the lyric “Apple Bottom jeans, boots with the fur”
LOW
Tips to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword
Want to sharpen your solving skills? Here are some proven strategies:
✅ Start with fill-in-the-blank clues. These are often the easiest to crack quickly.
✅ Use crossing letters to guide you. Each correct answer narrows down possibilities for intersecting words.
✅ Look for familiar words. Common crossword entries—like RING, EMIR, and REF—show up again and again.
✅ Solve daily to build speed. Repetition helps you recognize clue patterns faster over time.
