Struggling with the NYT Mini Crossword for June 21, 2025? Our guide is here to help! The New York Times Mini Crossword is a bite-sized version of the classic daily puzzle—quick to solve but just as rewarding. Perfect for word enthusiasts who want a fun challenge without the time commitment of a full-sized crossword, it’s available both in print and online for solvers of all skill levels.
If you’re stuck on a clue, no worries — just scroll through the list and tap the one you need help with to see the answer. The rest will stay hidden, so you can continue solving without any unexpected spoilers.
1A Feeling extremely happy NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Feeling (noun)
- The overall mood or vibe of a place or situation that affects how people perceive it.
- A natural or instinctive sense or understanding of something.
Answer:
[spoiler]JOYFUL[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Extremely (adverb)
- To a very great extent; in a way that is highly favorable or respectful.
- In a way that goes to an intense or excessive level.
7A Wake from sleep NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Wake (noun)
- The results or aftereffects of an event, often a disastrous one.
- A gathering held to watch over a deceased person before the funeral.
Answer:
[spoiler]AROUSE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Wake (verb)
- To stop sleeping.
- To make someone become alert or conscious.
8A Brand of cinnamon-flavored chewing gum NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Cinnamon (noun)
- A tropical tree from Asia with fragrant yellow-brown bark, which is the source of the cinnamon spice.
- The flavorful, scented bark commonly used as a spice in cooking and baking.
Answer:
[spoiler]BIGRED[/spoiler]
9A Talk and talk and talk NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Talk (verb)
- To share thoughts or have a conversation with someone.
- To communicate using spoken language.
Answer:
[spoiler]GAB[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Talk (noun)
- A discussion where ideas or information are exchanged.
- A publicly given speech or presentation.
10A Bengal, colt or dolphin NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Bengal (noun)
- A geographic region in South Asia, now divided between eastern Bangladesh and western India.
Answer:
[spoiler]ANIMAL[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Dolphin (noun)
- A large, sleek fish found in warm ocean waters, valued for both food and sport, especially near Hawaii.
- A type of small toothed whale with a long snout, generally larger than porpoises.
13A TV show ending NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Ending (noun)
- An event or moment that brings something to a close.
- The final part of a word, such as a suffix or grammatical ending.
Answer:
[spoiler]FINALE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Show (verb)
- To present or demonstrate proof or evidence.
- To guide someone to their seat, especially in a theater or auditorium.
14A Rook, to a chess newbie NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Newbie (noun)
- A person who is new to a particular activity or field.
Answer:
[spoiler]CASTLE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Chess (noun)
- A fast-growing annual weed originally from Europe, now commonly found in grain fields like wheat.
- A two-player board game where each player moves 16 pieces with the goal of checkmating the opponent’s king.
1D Quick boxing punch NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Boxing (noun)
- The act of placing something into a box or container.
- A combat sport involving fist fighting between two opponents.
Answer:
[spoiler]JAB[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Punch (noun)
- A device used to create holes or indentations in materials.
- In boxing, a strike delivered with a closed fist.
2D Beginnings NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Answers used in the past:
- ONSETS (6 letters)
- STARTS (6 letters)
- OUTSETS (7 letters)
- ROOTS (5 letters)
Answer:
[spoiler]ORIGINS[/spoiler]
3D Where you might strike a pose? NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Strike (verb)
- To forcefully hit or push something into a particular place.
- To launch a planned and targeted attack against an enemy or objective.
Answer:
[spoiler]YOGAMAT[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Strike (noun)
- A noticeable or impressive success.
- A light or mild hit or impact.
4D Nickname for a fuzzy cat NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Nickname (noun)
- A casual or shortened name used for a person, often based on their given name.
- A descriptive or informal name given to a place or object.
Answer:
[spoiler]FURBALL[/spoiler]
5D One of many for white vinegar NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: White (noun)
- A person of Caucasian descent.
- An American writer known for witty essays, active from 1899 to 1985.
Answer:
[spoiler]USE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: White (adjective)
- Pale in appearance due to sickness or strong emotion.
- Designated exclusively for white people.
6D Was winning NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Winning (adjective)
- Charming or appealing; able to attract attention or interest.
- Having achieved victory or success.
Answer:
[spoiler]LED[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Winning (noun)
- The act of achieving success, often after overcoming significant challenges.
10D The Bengals, Colts and Dolphins play in it: Abbr NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to solve today’s answer.
CAF
Answer:
[spoiler]AFC[/spoiler]
11D ___ DaCosta, director of 2023’s “The Marvels” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Director (noun)
- A person who conducts or leads a musical ensemble.
- An individual responsible for managing finances and overseeing the use of resources.
Answer:
[spoiler]NIA[/spoiler]
12D Harper who wrote “To Kill a Mockingbird” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Mockingbird (noun)
- A gray-and-white bird native to the southern United States, known for imitating the songs of other birds.
Answer:
[spoiler]LEE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Harper (noun)
- A person who plays the harp.
