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 21, 2025.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Clues and Answers for October 21, 2025
Put on your thinking cap! Here are the clues for today’s puzzle.
Across Clues: ➡️
- 1 Across: Bone that can be “dropped” — Starts with the letter “J”
- 4 Across: Late scientist Goodall — Starts with the letter “J”
- 5 Across: Make critical assumptions about — Starts with the letter “J”
- 6 Across: Best by a little — Starts with the letter “B”
- 7 Across: Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, etc. — Starts with the letter “G”
Down Clues: ⬇️
- 1 Down: Just kind of over it — Starts with the letter “J”
- 2 Down: Beef cattle breed — Starts with the letter “A”
- 3 Down: Shed tears — Starts with the letter “W”
- 4 Down: 2007 comedy-drama starring Elliot Page and Michael Cera — Starts with the letter “J”
- 5 Down: Refresh, as one’s memory — 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 21, 2025
Across Answers: ➡️
- 1 Across: Bone that can be “dropped” — JAW
- 4 Across: Late scientist Goodall — JANE
- 5 Across: Make critical assumptions about — JUDGE
- 6 Across: Best by a little — ONEUP
- 7 Across: Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, etc. — GODS
Down Answers: ⬇️
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answer Image for October 21, 2025
What do you think of today’s NYT Mini Crossword puzzle? Were you able to guess all the answers?
This puzzle had a fun, ‘J’ heavy theme, providing a distinctive challenge. It mixed pop culture (the film and the scientist’s name) with common terms for emotion and objects. The grid was cleverly constructed, requiring a balance of specific knowledge (like the cattle breed) and creative wordplay to solve the interconnected clues. A tightly focused and satisfying solve. I’d rate this a 4 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!
