The New York Times Mini Crossword puzzle for Tuesday, January 21, 2025, brings yet another enjoyable challenge for puzzle enthusiasts. Known for its concise format and sharp clues, The Mini is a great way to flex your brainpower in a short amount of time. Below, you’ll find the complete clues and answers to today’s puzzle, along with insights to help you understand each solution.
What Is the NYT Mini Crossword?
The NYT Mini Crossword is a compact version of the famous New York Times Crossword. Designed to be completed in just a few minutes, it’s perfect for casual solvers and seasoned crossword fans alike. Unlike the full-sized crossword, which can take considerable time and effort, the Mini focuses on brevity without compromising the fun.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Clues and Answers (January 21, 2025)
Across Clues:
- Kinda wet
- Answer: Damp
- Explanation: The word “damp” describes something slightly wet, like clothes that haven’t fully dried.
- Standoffish
- Answer: Aloof
- Explanation: “Aloof” refers to someone who is emotionally distant or not engaged with others.
- Creature on a lifeboat with Pi, in “Life of Pi”
- Answer: Tiger
- Explanation: In the book Life of Pi by Yann Martel, Pi Patel shares his lifeboat with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker.
- Less than 90°
- Answer: Acute
- Explanation: An “acute” angle is one that measures less than 90 degrees in geometry.
- “What ___ is new?”
- Answer: Else
- Explanation: This phrase is commonly used to ask what additional news someone might have.
Down Clues:
- What hasn’t been processed if it’s raw
- Answer: Data
- Explanation: “Raw data” refers to information that hasn’t been analyzed or processed yet.
- Character who climbs through the looking glass
- Answer: Alice
- Explanation: Alice, the protagonist of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll, ventures into whimsical worlds.
- Tycoon
- Answer: Mogul
- Explanation: A “mogul” is a powerful businessperson or entrepreneur.
- Ones working with meters and feet?
- Answer: Poets
- Explanation: Poets often work with “meters” (rhythmic patterns in poetry) and “feet” (units of rhythm in verse).
- Complimentary
- Answer: Free
- Explanation: The word “free” is often used to describe something given without charge, which is a compliment in its own way.
Tips for Solving the NYT Mini Crossword
- Start with the Shortest Clues:
The shorter the word, the easier it is to deduce, especially with cross letters. - Look for Fill-in-the-Blank Clues:
These are often straightforward and provide a great starting point. - Cross-Check Letters:
Use intersecting words to verify your answers. If something doesn’t fit, it’s a good sign to reassess your choices.
Why You Should Play the NYT Mini Crossword
The Mini is perfect for:
- Quick Mental Stimulation: Each puzzle is designed to be solved in under five minutes.
- Learning New Words: With clever clues, the Mini introduces players to new vocabulary and ideas.
- Stress Relief: Many players find crossword puzzles relaxing and satisfying to complete.
How to Access the NYT Mini Crossword
The NYT Mini Crossword is available on:
- The New York Times Games App (iOS and Android).
- The NYT Crossword Official Website.
Subscribers get daily access to puzzles, including archives of previous Minis.
The NYT Mini Crossword for January 21, 2025, is yet another brilliant example of how The New York Times turns wordplay into an art form. Whether you solved it in record time or found yourself stumped by a clue, the joy of solving lies in the challenge. Be sure to check back tomorrow for another Mini and keep sharpening your crossword-solving skills!
