Stuck on today’s NYT Mini Crossword? No worries—we’ve got you covered! This bite-sized yet challenging puzzle is perfect for word game lovers who want a quick brain teaser without committing to a full-sized crossword. Released daily both online and in print, the Mini Crossword provides a fun and satisfying challenge without taking up too much of your time.
If you’re looking for a specific clue from the February 15, 2025, puzzle, you’ll find all the hints listed below. We’ve organised this guide so you can easily find the clue you need without accidentally seeing answers to others you’re still working on. Happy solving!
1A Governing body of world soccer NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Governing (noun)
- The act of managing and exercising authority.
Answer:
[spoiler]FIFA[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Governing (adjective)
- Responsible for creating and enforcing rules and laws.
5A “___ is a world within itself, with a language we all understand” (Stevie Wonder lyric) NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Language (noun)
- A structured method of communication using sounds or conventional symbols.
- Verbal communication through spoken words.
Answer:
[spoiler]MUSIC[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Within (adverb)
- Inside or enclosed.
6A Opposite of rough NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Opposite (adverb)
- Positioned directly across from each other.
Answer:
[spoiler]GENTLE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Opposite (adjective)
- Marked by extreme contrast or complete opposition.
- Referring to leaves or similar structures that grow in pairs on either side of a stem.
7A Pictures that employ the “flip camera” button NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Camera (noun)
- A device used for capturing photographs, typically a lightproof box with a lens on one end and light-sensitive film on the other.
- Television equipment with a lens system that focuses an image onto a photosensitive surface, which is then scanned by an electron beam.
Answer:
[spoiler]SELFIES[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Employ (verb)
- Hire or engage someone for work.
- Use or put something into action for a specific purpose or its intended function.
8A Away from the ocean NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Away (adverb)
- Removed from consideration or focus.
- No longer in one’s possession.
Answer:
[spoiler]INLAND[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Away (adjective)
- In baseball, a pitch thrown to the far side of home plate from the batter.
- Absent or having departed.
9A Earthenware pot NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Earthenware (noun)
- Ceramic objects made from porous clay and fired at a low temperature.
Answer:
[spoiler]CROCK[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Pot (noun)
- Informal term for a large or protruding belly.
- A plumbing fixture used for defecation and urination.
10A Clark ___ a.k.a. Superman NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Clark (noun)
- A Canadian politician who served as Prime Minister from 1939 onward.
- A U.S. psychologist born in Panama (1914–2005) whose research influenced the Supreme Court’s ruling against segregated schools.
Answer:
[spoiler]KENT[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Superman (noun)
- A slang term for lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD).
- An individual possessing extraordinary powers and abilities.
1D Cool bit of trivia NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Trivia (noun)
- Something of little significance.
Answer:
[spoiler]FUNFACT[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Bit (noun)
- A very brief moment.
- A small piece or fragment.
2D Admission of ineptitude NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Ineptitude (noun)
- Lack of skill due to insufficient training.
- Absence of qualities that make something valuable or useful.
Answer:
[spoiler]ISTINK[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Admission (noun)
- The cost required for entry.
- The process of allowing someone to enter.
3D Smoothed, as fingernails NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Smoothed (adjective)
- Made smooth by ironing
Answer:
[spoiler]FILED[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to solve today’s answer.
DEFIL
4D AAAA, in a deck NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Deck (noun)
- A set of 52 playing cards.
- A platform or floor structure on a ship or vessel.
Answer:
[spoiler]ACES[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Deck (verb)
- To adorn or decorate.
- To strike forcefully and bring down.
5D Pittsburgh’s Carnegie ___ University NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Pittsburgh (noun)
- A city in southwestern Pennsylvania where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers merge to form the Ohio River; historically a major industrial hub and home to Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh.
Answer:
[spoiler]MELLON[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Carnegie (noun)
- An American educator (1888–1955) known for his influential book on building relationships and persuasion.
- An American industrialist and philanthropist (1835–1919) who funded educational institutions, public libraries, and research foundations.
6D Rom-com or thriller NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Thriller (noun)
- A gripping and suspenseful story, play, or film filled with excitement and adventure.
Answer:
[spoiler]GENRE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: ROM (noun) In computer science, a type of memory that allows data to be read but not modified.
7D “Totally awesome!” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Awesome (adjective)
- Evoking awe, admiration, or wonder.
Answer:
[spoiler]SICK[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Totally (adverb)
- To the fullest extent or completely (informally, “whole” may be used for “wholly”).
