Struggling with the NYT Mini Crossword for May 17, 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! Just scroll through the list of clues and tap the one you’re stuck on to reveal the answer. Don’t worry — all other clues will remain hidden, so you can keep solving without any unexpected spoilers.
1A “Link in ___” (promotional catchphrase on social media) NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Catchphrase (noun)
- A well-known expression or slogan that has gained popularity and is commonly recognized.
Answer:
[spoiler]BIO[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Social (noun)
- A gathering or event where people come together to interact and build community relationships.
4A They’re ground in a coffee grinder NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Ground (noun)
- The upper layer of the earth’s surface where plants can grow, often considered for its quality or intended use.
- The background area in a scene or image, situated behind the main subjects.
Answer:
[spoiler]BEANS[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Ground (verb)
- To come into contact with or land on the ground.
- To apply a base coat or primer to a surface.
6A Bike riders’ headwear NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Bike (verb)
- To ride a bicycle.
Answer:
[spoiler]HELMETS[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Bike (noun)
- A motorized vehicle with two wheels and a solid frame.
- A two-wheeled vehicle powered by pedaling.
8A Variety of tomato whose name is also a meat NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Whose (pronoun):
- The possessive form of “who” or “which,” indicating ownership.
Answer:
[spoiler]BEEFSTEAK[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Tomato (noun):
- A plant originally from South America, now grown in many different types.
- A slightly acidic red or yellow fruit commonly used as a vegetable in cooking.
10A Shoe spec that describes this puzzle? NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Puzzle (verb)
- To cause confusion or be difficult to understand.
- To feel unsure or to think deeply without reaching a clear conclusion.
Answer:
[spoiler]EXTRAWIDE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Puzzle (noun)
- A confusing problem that has a specific solution.
- A game designed to challenge problem-solving skills.
11A “Cha-ching, nothin’ to it!” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to solve today’s answer.
YSAEMNOYE
Answer:
[spoiler]EASYMONEY[/spoiler]
1D Church spot where bats hang out NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Spot (noun)
- A position or role within a company or group.
- An action that causes shame or tarnishes someone’s reputation.
Answer:
[spoiler]BELFRY[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Spot (verb)
- To notice or identify using the senses.
- To leave a stain or mark on something.
2D The first three words of “Green Eggs and Ham,” straight from the narrator NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Narrator (noun)
- A person who recounts or describes a story.
Answer:
[spoiler]IAMSAM[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Straight (adjective)
- Honest and just in behavior or attitude.
- Strictly traditional or conservative in style or beliefs.
3D Boxing punch combo NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Boxing (noun)
- The act of packing something into a box or container.
- The sport or activity of fighting using fists.
Answer:
[spoiler]ONETWO[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Punch (noun)
- A device used to create holes or impressions.
- In boxing, a strike delivered with the fist.
4D Purple slices in a salad NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Purple (noun)
- A color or pigment that is a mix of red and blue.
- In ancient Rome, a symbol of imperial authority.
Answer:
[spoiler]BEETS[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Purple (adjective)
- Having a hue between red and blue.
- Related to or appropriate for a supreme ruler.
5D Oktoberfest glass NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Oktoberfest (noun)
- A robust lager beer first brewed in Germany for the Oktoberfest event; characterized by its sweet taste and copper color.
- A fall festival featuring lively celebrations and beer drinking.
Answer:
[spoiler]STEIN[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Glass (noun)
- A mirror, often used as a dressing mirror for women.
- A compact telescope that uses lenses to magnify distant objects.
6D Prefix with decimal, in coding NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Coding (noun)
- The process of writing using a code or cipher.
Answer:
[spoiler]HEXA[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Prefix (noun)
- An affix attached to the beginning of a word.
7D One-named hit singer with 1985’s “Smooth Operator” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Operator (noun)
- A clever or sometimes dishonest individual skilled at navigating challenges.
- A person who controls or works a machine or device.
Answer:
[spoiler]SADE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Singer (noun)
- An American inventor (1811–1875) known for enhancing the chain-stitch sewing machine.
- A Polish-born American author (1904–1991) famous for writing Yiddish stories and novels.
8D Spelling ___ NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Spelling (noun)
- The act of arranging letters to form words following established rules and conventions.
Answer:
[spoiler]BEE[/spoiler]
9D Paper with the answers NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Paper (noun)
- The tangible item produced by a newspaper publisher.
- A written essay, often assigned as schoolwork.
Answer:
[spoiler]KEY[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Paper (verb)
- To cover a surface with wallpaper.
- To cover something with sheets of paper.
