The NYT Mini Crossword is the perfect daily challenge to sharpen your wit and expand your vocabulary, all in a compact package! Just like its larger counterpart, the Mini Crossword delivers clever clues and satisfying solutions, but in a bite-sized format that’s perfect for a coffee break or a quick unwind. We know how addictive it can be, so to help you out (or just confirm your brilliant solves!), here are the answers for today’s NYT Mini Crossword for October 12, 2025.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Clues and Answers for October 12, 2025
Put on your thinking cap! Here are the clues for today’s puzzle.
Across Clues: ➡️
- 1 Across: A 5-Across might be a wild one — Starts with the letter “C”
- 5 Across: One of two in a standard deck — Starts with the letter “J”
- 6 Across: Homer called its oil “liquid gold” — Starts with the letter “O”
- 7 Across: Symbolic flower in Buddhism — Starts with the letter “L”
- 8 Across: Bunkers on a golf course — Starts with the letter “T”
Down Clues: ⬇️
- 1 Down: Use crayons, e.g. — Starts with the letter “C”
- 2 Down: Japanese dog breed — Starts with the letter “A”
- 3 Down: Really energize — Starts with the letter “R”
- 4 Down: Garment that may be strapless — Starts with the letter “D”
- 5 Down: Sudden shock — Starts with the letter “J”
Got all your guesses in? Let’s see how you did below!
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for October 12, 2025
Across Answers: ➡️
- 1 Across: A 5-Across might be a wild one — CARD
- 5 Across: One of two in a standard deck — JOKER
- 6 Across: Homer called its oil “liquid gold” — OLIVE
- 7 Across: Symbolic flower in Buddhism — LOTUS
- 8 Across: Bunkers on a golf course — TRAPS
Down Answers: ⬇️
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answer Image for October 12, 2025
What do you think of today’s NYT Mini Crossword puzzle? Were you able to guess all the answers?
A delightful and well-themed Mini Crossword today! The clues are highly accessible, leaning into fun, classic knowledge, particularly with the golf term (8 Across) and the clever clue relating to a standard deck of cards (1 Across and 5 Across). The trivia about the “liquid gold” oil (6 Across) and the Buddhist flower (7 Across) are great, quick fills. The starting letters make the solve very straightforward and smooth. It felt like an easy but satisfying solve. I’d rate the difficulty a gentle 2 out of 5.
You can also checkout today’s answers for other NYT puzzles :
- NYT Strands Puzzle Answers
- NYT Wordle Answers
- NYT Spelling Bee Answers
- NYT PIPS Answers
- NYT Connections Answers
How to Play the NYT Mini Crossword
Playing the NYT Mini Crossword is super simple!
- The Goal: Fill in the grid with words that fit the clues, both Across and Down.
- The Clues: You’ll have two sets of clues: “Across” clues correspond to horizontal words in the grid, and “Down” clues correspond to vertical words.
- Word Length: While not always explicitly stated in the clues themselves, the grid implicitly tells you how many letters each answer has, helping you fit it in.
- Intersections: The beauty of a crossword is that words intersect! A letter you fill in for an “Across” word will also be part of a “Down” word, and vice versa. This helps you figure out tougher words as more letters become known.
- Daily Refresh: Just like its big brother, the full NYT Crossword, the Mini Crossword refreshes every 24 hours with a brand new puzzle. So, if you don’t get it today, there’s always a fresh challenge tomorrow!
