Struggling with the NYT Mini Crossword for May 31, 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 hint? We’ve got you covered! Simply scroll through the list and tap on the clue you’re stuck on to reveal the answer. Don’t worry — the rest of the clues will stay hidden so you can continue solving at your own pace.
1A This one and that one NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: One (adjective)
- (informal) Extremely; used casually to emphasize something
- Undivided; forming a single, unified whole
Answer:
[spoiler]BOTH[/spoiler]
Hint 2: One (noun)
- The lowest whole number, represented by the numeral 1
- A single individual or item
5A Ballet-inspired fitness class NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Fitness (noun)
- The state of being appropriate or well-suited
- A condition of good health and physical strength
Answer:
[spoiler]BARRE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Inspired (adjective)
- Exceptionally outstanding, as if guided by divine or creative influence
6A Mississippi ___ (rich chocolate dessert) NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Mississippi (noun)
- A southern U.S. state along the Gulf of Mexico; historically part of the Confederacy during the Civil War
- A major river in North America that starts in northern Minnesota and flows south to the Gulf of Mexico
Answer:
[spoiler]MUDPIE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Chocolate (noun)
- A shade ranging from medium to dark brown
- A hot drink made by mixing cocoa powder with milk and sugar
7A Sea creature with the scientific name Monodon monoceros (“one tooth, one horn”) NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Scientific (adjective)
- Following the rules or techniques commonly used in science
Answer:
[spoiler]NARWHAL[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Creature (noun)
- Someone who is manipulated or used by others to carry out undesirable or unethical actions
- A person; the word “wight” is an old-fashioned term for a human being
8A Like some soccer shots NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Soccer (noun)
- A sport where two teams of 11 players compete to score goals by kicking or heading a ball into the opposing team’s net
Answer:
[spoiler]ONGOAL[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Like (verb)
- To want or choose to do something
- To have a particular opinion or feeling about someone or something; to view or assess in a certain way
9A Strict in tone NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Strict (adjective)
- Unwilling to bend rules or allow exceptions
- Harsh and relentless in enforcing rules or expectations
Answer:
[spoiler]STERN[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Tone (noun)
- A subtle variation or shade of a particular color
- The natural firmness or tension in muscles or tissues that helps them respond effectively to stimulation
10A Place for a “For Sale” sign NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Sign (noun)
- A physical structure holding a board used for displaying advertisements
- A noticeable clue or indication of something that isn’t directly visible or obvious
Answer:
[spoiler]YARD[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Sign (verb)
- To write one’s name as a form of identification or agreement
- To make the sign of the cross over someone as a blessing or to invoke divine protection
1D $#!&, e.g. NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Answers used in the past:
- CURSE (5 letters)
- SYMBOLS (7 letters)
- OATH (4 letters)
- SLASH (5 letters)
Answer:
[spoiler]BADWORD[/spoiler]
2D Harry Potter, Annie or Bruce Wayne NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Potter (verb)
- To move or work in a slow, unhurried way
- To engage in aimless or casual tasks or pass time without a specific purpose
Answer:
[spoiler]ORPHAN[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Potter (noun)
- An artisan who forms clay items on a pottery wheel and hardens them by firing in a kiln
3D ___ and error NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Error (noun)
- A misunderstanding caused by inaccurate information
- A mistake made due to poor judgment, lack of knowledge, or carelessness
Answer:
[spoiler]TRIAL[/spoiler]
4D Dog trainer’s “Walk next to me!” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Next (adjective)
- Coming immediately after in sequence or time
- Elected to a position but not yet begun serving
Answer:
[spoiler]HEEL[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Trainer (noun)
- A device on the ground designed to imitate the experience of flying an aircraft
- A person who teaches or coaches others, including people or animals
5D Hot dog alternative NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Alternative (adjective)
- Acting as a substitute or replacement for something else
- Involving a choice between options that cannot be combined
Answer:
[spoiler]BURGER[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Alternative (noun)
- One option among several, where only one can be selected
6D Relative of a stingray NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Stingray (noun)
- A large venomous ray featuring sharp, barbed spines near the base of its long, whip-like tail that can cause serious injuries
Answer:
[spoiler]MANTA[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Relative (noun)
- An animal or plant connected to another through shared ancestry or belonging to the same genus
- A person who is connected by family ties, either by blood or marriage
7D All up in one’s business NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Business (noun)
- A commercial or industrial organization along with the people involved in it
- A brief action performed by an actor as part of a dramatic scene
Answer:
[spoiler]NOSY[/spoiler]
Hint 2: All (adverb)
- Completely or entirely; to the fullest extent (informally, “whole” is often used to mean “wholly”)
