Struggling with the NYT Mini Crossword for May 13, 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.
Need a hand? We’re here to help! Simply browse the list of clues and tap the one that’s giving you trouble to reveal the answer. Don’t worry — the rest of the clues will stay hidden, so you can keep solving without any unexpected spoilers.
1A “Pointer” used to highlight a talking point NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Highlight (verb)
- To bring something to the forefront to make it stand out or be more noticeable
- To use makeup, like highlighter, on the cheeks or eyebrows to enhance their appearance
Answer:
[spoiler]LASER[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Highlight (noun)
- The most exciting or unforgettable moment or feature
- A bright or lighter spot in an image or artwork
6A Submit a C.V. NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Submit (verb)
- To accept or agree to someone else’s decision or viewpoint
- To present or deliver something officially or formally
Answer:
[spoiler]APPLY[/spoiler]
7A Get behind the wheel NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Wheel (verb)
- To travel or be pushed as though on wheels or a wheeled device
- To turn or shift direction in a circular or pivoting motion
Answer:
[spoiler]DRIVE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Wheel (noun)
- A device once used for torture that twisted or dislocated a person’s body
- A two-wheeled vehicle, like a bicycle, powered by pedaling
8A “Oh boy, that’s not good!” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Boy (noun)
- A male child
- A young male individual
Answer:
[spoiler]YIKES[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Good (noun)
- Something that is desirable, beneficial, or of value
- Items produced for sale or trade
9A “___ Misérables” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to solve today’s answer.
ELS
Answer:
[spoiler]LES[/spoiler]
1D “___ Madonna” (Beatles song) NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Madonna (noun)
- An American pop icon and sex symbol who rose to fame in the 1980s (born in 1958)
- The mother of Jesus Christ, also known as the Virgin Mary, highly revered in Christianity, especially in Roman Catholicism
Answer:
[spoiler]LADY[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Beatles (noun)
- A famous rock band from Liverpool known for creating numerous hit songs and albums between 1962 and 1970, with most tracks written by Paul McCartney and John Lennon
2D When March Madness ends, curiously NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Curiously (adverb)
- In a way that shows interest or a desire to know more
- In an unusual or unexpected manner
Answer:
[spoiler]APRIL[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Madness (noun)
- A severe viral infection affecting the nervous system in warm-blooded animals, typically spread through the bite of a rabid animal; deadly if it reaches the brain
- Intense or uncontrollable excitement or enthusiasm
3D Sudden increase NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Sudden (adjective)
- Occurring unexpectedly or within a brief period of time
Answer:
[spoiler]SPIKE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Increase (noun)
- The quantity by which something grows or becomes larger
- The process of making something greater in size, number, or amount
4D Legolas and Galadriel, in “The Lord of the Rings” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Rings (noun)
- A piece of gymnastic equipment made up of two sturdy metal loops, typically coated with leather and hung by ropes, used for performing various gymnastic moves and exercises
Answer:
[spoiler]ELVES[/spoiler]
5D Spirits akin to bourbons NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Akin (adjective)
- Similar in nature or characteristics
- Related through family or ancestry
Answer:
[spoiler]RYES[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Spirits (noun)
- A type of alcoholic drink that is distilled, as opposed to fermented
