Struggling with the NYT Mini Crossword for May 20, 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’ve got you covered! Simply scroll through the list of clues and tap on the one you’re stuck with to reveal the answer. Don’t worry — the rest will stay hidden, so you can continue solving without any spoilers.
1A “Pink ___ Club” (Chappell Roan hit) NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: A small horse, often symbolic of playful femininity.
Answer:
[spoiler]PONY[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Think of something a kid might ride — or dream of riding — with a flowing mane.
5A Instrument that might be made with a comb and wax paper NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: You hum into it, not blow — it buzzes back.
Answer:
[spoiler]KAZOO[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Rhymes with “boo” and is often a child’s first instrument.
6A How bedtime stories are often read NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: The opposite of silently.
Answer:
[spoiler]ALOUD[/spoiler]
Hint 2: You’d do this when reading to someone else, especially a child.
7A On edge NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Feeling nervous or jittery.
Answer:
[spoiler]NOUSE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: A synonym for anxious or strained.
8A Short Instagram video NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: A looped or short-form video on social media.
Answer:
[spoiler]REEL[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Similar to a spool or something you might watch at the movies.
1D Less colorful NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Drained of color, maybe like your cheeks when sick.
Answer:
[spoiler]PALER[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Opposite of vibrant or flushed.
2D Layer of the upper atmosphere NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Shields the Earth from harmful UV rays.
Answer:
[spoiler]OZONE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: A five-letter word starting with “O.”
3D Totally pointless NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: British slang meaning useless or without value.
Answer:
[spoiler]NOUSE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: It sounds like “no use” said quickly.
4D Hit a high note in a high place, perhaps NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: A type of singing popular in the Swiss Alps.
Answer:
[spoiler]YODEL[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Often involves switching rapidly between vocal registers.
5D Kit ___ bar NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: A chocolate-covered wafer bar.
Answer:
[spoiler]KAT[/spoiler]
Hint 2: “Gimme a break!” is its famous slogan.
