NYT Mini Crossword today: NYT Mini Crossword Answers and Hints for December 28, 2025: Sunday’s puzzle solved with these clues

For crossword lovers who enjoy quick mental stretches rather than long, time-consuming puzzles, the New York Times Mini Crossword has become a daily go-to. Compared to the traditional full-size puzzle, which often requires deep vocabulary and cultural references, Mini offers a short but stimulating challenge; Ideal for players who like to test their speed and sharp thinking.

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The Charm of the NYT Mini Puzzle

Created as a smaller alternative to The New York Times’ classic crossword puzzle, Mini quickly developed a dedicated following. Its appeal comes from its simplicity, five-by-five grid, cleverly written clues, and the thrill of finishing the puzzle in under a minute.

For many solvers, this is more than a game. It is a daily ritual that measures intelligence, vocabulary and reaction time. Players frequently post their solution times online, turning Mini into a friendly competition across different regions and time zones.

Despite its compact size, the Mini can still be surprisingly misleading. Some tips may seem simple at first glance, while others require creative or lateral thinking. This challenge often leads players to seek out the latest Mini Puzzle clues and answers for a little extra help.
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While NYT is best known for “The Crossword,” its larger puzzle aimed at paying subscribers, Mini has developed a strong fan base of its own. Notably, this game refreshes every day at 22:00 instead of midnight like many other puzzles.

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Clues Answers for Sunday, December 28th

Below are NYT Mini Crossword clues and answers for December 28, 2025, including both Across and Down clues, according to a report by Forbes and Parade. The following clues and answers will help you solve today’s Mini Puzzle with ease.

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NYT Mini Crossword clues and solutions for Sunday, December 28

There are spoilers ahead; Slide carefully.

NYT Mini Overview Tips

1 Across: Evening wear in short – P

4 From: The land once known as the “Land of a Million Elephants” – L

6 Opposite: The country ruled by the Sultan – He

7 Across: Hats that help highlight waves – D

9 Across: Country celebrating National Ceviche Day – P

Opposite 10: TV room – D

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NYT Mini Down Tips

1 Down: Walk slowly and slowly – P

2 Down: Stuck as Printer – J

3 Down: He flew all over the country… actually three! -S

5 Down: Drum kit component – ​​S

8 Down: Naked ___ – G

NYT Mini Crossword Clues and Answers

NYT Mini General Answers

1 Across: Evening wear in short – PJS

4 Opposite: The country once known as the “Land of a Million Elephants” – LAOS

6 Against: The country ruled by the Sultan – OMAN

7 Across: Hats that help highlight waves – DURAG

9 Across: Country celebrating National Ceviche Day – PERU

Opposite 10: TV room – DEN

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NYT Mini Down Answers

1 Down: Walk slowly and slowly – PLOD

2 Down: Stuck as printer – JAM

3 Down: He flew all over the country… actually three! – INCREASED

5 Down: Drum kit component – ​​SNARE

8 Down: Naked ___ – DAY

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NYT Mini But Mighty: Why Gamers Love It

The enduring appeal of the NYT Mini Crossword comes from how approachable it is. It’s easy to start, quick to finish, and yet delivers those satisfying “aha” moments when a challenging clue finally makes sense.

A new mix of puns, cultural references, and clever misdirection emerges every day. Although the puzzle is small, the challenge feels just right, and the time pressure combined with the short format makes it particularly addictive for casual players and competitive solvers alike.

FAQ

At what time does NYT Mini Puzzle reset every day?
Mini Puzzle is renewed every day at 22:00, not at midnight.

Is NYT Mini Crossword still free to play?
No. The mini is now limited to NYT Games subscribers and a subscription is required to access past puzzles.