Struggling with the NYT Mini Crossword for May 28, 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 some help? We’re here for you! Just scroll through the list of clues and tap on the one you’re stuck on to reveal the answer. Don’t worry — the others will remain hidden so you can keep solving at your own pace.
1A Stuff that accumulates on a bookshelf NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Bookshelf (noun)
- A shelf designed to hold books.
Answer:
[spoiler]DUST[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Stuff (noun)
- Informal word for personal belongings.
- Nonsense or meaningless speech.
5A “Inside Out 2” emotion who’s constantly glued to her phone NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Constantly (adverb)
- Continuously, without stopping.
- Always the same, in every situation.
Answer:
[spoiler]ENNUI[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Emotion (noun)
- A powerful feeling or reaction.
7A Snack for a squirrel NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Squirrel (noun)
- A tree-dwelling rodent with a long, bushy tail.
- The pelt or fur of a squirrel.
Answer:
[spoiler]ACORN[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Snack (verb)
- To eat a small amount of food between meals.
8A Fail, informally NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Informally (adverb)
- Using casual or conversational language.
Answer:
[spoiler]FLUNK[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Fail (verb)
- To let someone down or not be reliable.
- To not succeed.
9A Crafter’s online marketplace NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Crafter (noun)
- A highly skilled person who creates things by hand.
Answer:
[spoiler]ETSY[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Marketplace (noun)
- A town space where vendors sell goods.
- The commercial environment where products and services are traded.
1D Using sign language, say NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Using (noun)
- The act of taking advantage of someone in an unfair or abusive way.
Answer:
[spoiler]DEAF[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Language (noun)
- A structured method of communication through sounds or agreed-upon symbols.
- Spoken communication through words.
2D ___ Sam (patriotic symbol) NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Patriotic (adjective)
- Motivated by a strong love and devotion to one’s country.
Answer:
[spoiler]UNCLE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Symbol (noun)
- A visible object that stands for something unseen through common understanding.
- A written or printed mark that carries a recognized meaning.
3D What a tapir can grasp and manipulate objects with NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Tapir (noun)
- A large, gentle, mostly nighttime-dwelling hoofed mammal found in tropical regions of the Americas and Southeast Asia, known for its bulky body and short, trunk-like snout.
Answer:
[spoiler]SNOUT[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Manipulate (verb)
- To interfere with something in a misleading or dishonest way.
- To cleverly or secretly influence or control someone or something.
4D Chances to play in a board game NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Play (verb)
- To compete with others in a sport, game, or conflict.
- To act as if you have certain traits or emotions.
Answer:
[spoiler]TURNS[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Play (noun)
- A theatrical piece written to be performed by actors on stage.
6D Like one’s fingers after using a leaky pen NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Using (noun)
- An action that takes advantage of or mistreats someone unfairly.
Answer:
[spoiler]INKY[/spoiler]
Hint 2: After (adverb)
- Occurring later than a specified time.
