Struggling with today’s NYT Mini Crossword? Our guide for the March 23, 2025 puzzle is here to help! The New York Times Mini Crossword is a smaller version of the classic daily puzzle—short and quick but just as satisfying. It’s the ideal challenge for word lovers looking for a fun mental boost without the time commitment of a full puzzle. Available in both print and online, it’s a daily treat for solvers of all skill levels.
Having trouble with a clue? We’ve got you covered! Below, you’ll find a list of all the clues—just tap on the one you’re stuck on to reveal the answer. No spoilers for the ones you’re still working on!
1A Women’s World Cup team that had a rivalry with the U.S. during the 2010s NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Rivalry (noun)
- The state of competing, often for a reward or advantage.
Answer:
[spoiler]JAPAN[/spoiler]
Hint 2: During (preposition)
- Throughout the duration of an event or action.
6A Napoleon’s punishment during the 1810s (twice!) NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Punishment (noun)
- The act of imposing a penalty for wrongdoing.
Answer:
[spoiler]EXILE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Napoleon (noun)
- A card game resembling whist, typically played for stakes.
- A French military leader who rose to power as Emperor (1769–1821).
7A Component of muscle tissue NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Muscle (noun)
- Physical strength or power; a contractile organ of the body responsible for movement.
Answer:
[spoiler]SINEW[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Muscle (verb)
- To forcefully push or move through.
8A Wreck beyond repair NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Repair (verb)
- To fix or restore by replacing parts or mending what is damaged.
- To correct or make right.
Answer:
[spoiler]TOTAL[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Repair (noun)
- The process of restoring something to working condition.
- A place that is regularly visited.
9A Like the air at a hookah lounge NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Hookah (noun)
- A traditional smoking pipe with a long, flexible tube, where smoke is cooled by passing through water.
Answer:
[spoiler]SMOKY[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Like (verb)
- To prefer or desire something.
- To have a particular feeling toward, consider, or evaluate.
1D Joking remarks NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Joking (adjective)
- Marked by humor and playful remarks.
Answer:
[spoiler]JESTS[/spoiler]
2D Statement of truth NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Statement (noun)
- A line of code in a computer program.
- A declaration or assertion presented as evidence of truth.
Answer:
[spoiler]AXIOM[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Truth (noun)
- The quality of being accurate or close to reality.
- Sojourner Truth (1797–1883), a U.S. abolitionist and feminist who fought against slavery and for women’s rights.
3D Kind of bean used in refried beans NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Kind (adjective)
- Pleasant and comforting in nature.
- Patient and forgiving, even in difficult situations.
Answer:
[spoiler]PINTO[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Kind (noun)
- A group of things sharing a common trait or characteristic.
4D Spring ___ (start dripping) NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Dripping (noun)
- The sound of liquid falling in droplets.
- A liquid that drips, such as water from a surface.
Answer:
[spoiler]ALEAK[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Dripping (adverb)
- Soaking wet.
5D Afresh NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Afresh (adverb)
- Once more, but with a new or different approach.
Answer:
[spoiler]NEWLY[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Answers used in the past:
- ONCEMORE (8 letters)
- ANEW (4 letters)
