The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.
With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.
So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.
Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, August 22, 2025:
Across
Places to store shovels and leaf blowers
The answer is Sheds.
Coating for Babybel cheese
The answer is Wax.
"___ vs. Predator" (2004 sci-fi film)
The answer is Alien.
Streaming glitch
The answer is Lag.
Docking spots
The answer is Piers.
Feature of a Southern accent
The answer is Twang.
Sweet potato lookalike
The answer is Yam.
Top-notch, informally
The answer is Primo.
Greenskeeper's roll of grass
The answer is Sod.
Campfire remnants
The answer is Ashes.
Down
Nickname for the Florida Gators football stadium, with "the"
The answer is Swamp.
"2001: A Space Odyssey" villain
The answer is Hal.
Cast out from a country
The answer is Exile.
"Uptown Funk" and "Downtown," for two
The answer is Songs.
"Can I bend your ___ for a second?"
The answer is Ear.
Like an ambitious, competitive personality
The answer is Type A.
Simple-to-play card game for two
The answer is War.
Simple-living sect
The answer is Amish.
Shop owner's stock
The answer is Goods.
Barkeep on "The Simpsons"
The answer is Moe.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.
