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Saturday, December 27, 2025

Today's Across Crossword NYT December 27, 2025 - Every Horizontal Solution Explained

Today's NYT Crossword Across Clues December 27, 2025 - Complete Left-to-Right Answers

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Crossword has 35 Across clues. We have all the horizontal answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Related Puzzles: March 28 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | January 25 2023 NYT Clues Solutions | December 18 2020 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Across Clues

NYT Across clues solutions for December 27, 2025
NYT Across Clues - Saturday, December 27, 2025
Across Clues Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 27, 2025
Day of Week Saturday
Total Across Clues 35 clues
Direction Horizontal (Left to Right)
Difficulty Tricky

All Across Clues - Complete List

Here are all 35 Across clues for today's puzzle. These go horizontally from left to right.

Complete Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 1. Org. that organizes rec leagues
2 Across 5. ___ Seton, author of "Foxfire" and "Katherine"
3 Across 9. Interloper whom no one seems to know, informally
4 Across 14. Audio sensors
5 Across 15. Ring on a coaster?
6 Across 17. It offers a narrow point of view
7 Across 18. "At this point, that's no surprise"
8 Across 19. Price-ending digits, often
9 Across 21. Gets into a tight spot
10 Across 22. City west of Knoxville
11 Across 24. Knights of ___, ancient cult in the "Star Wars" universe
12 Across 25. Group that protects the QB
13 Across 26. Cruising, say
14 Across 28. Bussing on the street, e.g., in brief
15 Across 31. Halves of Hamiltons
16 Across 32. Superman's mother
17 Across 34. Some stream settings
18 Across 36. Zip
19 Across 39. Divert
20 Across 40. "I ___ bored!"
21 Across 41. Word that may precede itself?
22 Across 42. Bad singer?
23 Across 43. Many a popular TikTok
24 Across 45. Fantasy author Bardugo
25 Across 47. Amazon wrapper
26 Across 48. Thermostat display, informally
27 Across 51. Gets dragged along on a beach trip?
28 Across 55. What many wine corks do
29 Across 56. March Madness group
30 Across 58. Trace
31 Across 59. Put on a finishing touch
32 Across 60. Man's name that describes a radio that's lost half its frequencies?
33 Across 61. Pitch one might try to perfect
34 Across 62. List abbr.
35 Across 63. Certain wings

Detailed Hints and Answers for All Across Clues

Need help? Here are comprehensive hints and answers for each Across clue. Also check these helpful guides:

Complete Across Solutions:


1 Across: "1. Org. that organizes rec leagues"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'Y' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: Y__A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 1

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer YMCA


2 Across: "5. ___ Seton, author of "Foxfire" and "Katherine""

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: A__A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 2

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer ANYA


3 Across: "9. Interloper whom no one seems to know, informally"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: R___O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 3

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer RANDO


4 Across: "14. Audio sensors"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: E__S
  • Similar words: pinna, capitulum
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
  • This is Across clue number 4

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer EARS


5 Across: "15. Ring on a coaster?"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 10 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: L________P
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 5

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer LOOPDELOOP


6 Across: "17. It offers a narrow point of view"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: S__T
  • Similar words: cunt, prick
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a long narrow opening
  • This is Across clue number 6

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer SLIT


7 Across: "18. "At this point, that's no surprise""

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 10 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: I________T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 7

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer IMUSEDTOIT


8 Across: "19. Price-ending digits, often"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: N___S
  • Similar words: 9, baseball club
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one
  • This is Across clue number 8

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer NINES


9 Across: "21. Gets into a tight spot"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S_______S
  • Similar words: shoehorn
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a device used for easing the foot into a shoe
  • This is Across clue number 9

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer SHOEHORNS


10 Across: "22. City west of Knoxville"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: O______E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 10

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer OAKRIDGE


11 Across: "24. Knights of ___, ancient cult in the "Star Wars" universe"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'N'
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 11

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer REN


12 Across: "25. Group that protects the QB"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: O___E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 12

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer OLINE


13 Across: "26. Cruising, say"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: A__A
  • Similar words: seawards, seaward
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: in the direction of the sea
  • This is Across clue number 13

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer ASEA


14 Across: "28. Bussing on the street, e.g., in brief"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'A'
  • Similar words: organiser, organizer
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 14

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer PDA


15 Across: "31. Halves of Hamiltons"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: A__S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 15

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer ABES


16 Across: "32. Superman's mother"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: L__A
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 16

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer LARA


17 Across: "34. Some stream settings"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: D___S
  • Similar words: dale
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: an open river valley (in a hilly area)
  • This is Across clue number 17

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer DALES


18 Across: "36. Zip"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 15 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'J' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: J_____________T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 18

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer JACKDIDDLYSQUAT


19 Across: "39. Divert"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: A___E
  • Similar words: disport, divert
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: occupy in an agreeable
  • This is Across clue number 19

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer AMUSE


20 Across: "40. "I ___ bored!""

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: A__O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 20

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer AMSO


21 Across: "41. Word that may precede itself?"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'O'
  • Word pattern: U__O
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 21

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer UNTO


22 Across: "42. Bad singer?"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'T'
  • Similar words: git, give away
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 22

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer RAT


23 Across: "43. Many a popular TikTok"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: M__E
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 23

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer MEME


24 Across: "45. Fantasy author Bardugo"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'H'
  • Word pattern: L___H
  • Similar words: Vivien Leigh
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: English film actress (1913-1967)
  • This is Across clue number 24

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer LEIGH


25 Across: "47. Amazon wrapper"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 3 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'A'
  • Similar words: feather boa
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a long thin fluffy scarf of feathers or fur
  • This is Across clue number 25

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer BOA


26 Across: "48. Thermostat display, informally"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 8 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'P'
  • Word pattern: R______P
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 26

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer ROOMTEMP


27 Across: "51. Gets dragged along on a beach trip?"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 9 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'W' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: W_______S
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 27

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer WATERSKIS


28 Across: "55. What many wine corks do"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: T___R
  • Similar words: wick, point
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a convex shape that narrows toward a point
  • This is Across clue number 28

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer TAPER


29 Across: "56. March Madness group"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 10 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: E________T
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 29

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer ELITEEIGHT


30 Across: "58. Trace"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: I__A
  • Similar words: smidgen, shred
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: a tiny or scarcely detectable amount
  • This is Across clue number 30

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer IOTA


31 Across: "59. Put on a finishing touch"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 10 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'I'
  • Word pattern: D________I
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 31

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer DOTTEDTHEI


32 Across: "60. Man's name that describes a radio that's lost half its frequencies?"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'M'
  • Word pattern: N__M
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 32

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer NOAM


33 Across: "61. Pitch one might try to perfect"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 5 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: S___L
  • Similar words: patter, play
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • Definition: plausible glib talk (especially useful to a salesperson)
  • This is Across clue number 33

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer SPIEL


34 Across: "62. List abbr."

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: E__L
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 34

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer ETAL


35 Across: "63. Certain wings"

Helpful hints for this Across clue:

  • This word has 4 letters going left to right
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: E__S
  • Similar words: ell
  • This is an abbreviation or acronym
  • This is Across clue number 35

Answer:

Click to reveal the Across answer ELLS

Expert Strategies for Solving Across Clues

Master the horizontal clues with these professional tips:

Why Start with Across Clues?

  • Across clues often provide more letter intersections
  • Reading left to right feels more natural
  • Many common phrases run horizontally
  • Across answers often help solve Down clues

Across Clue Patterns to Recognize

  1. Fill-in-the-blank clues: These are usually the easiest Across entries
  2. Common phrases: Many idioms run horizontally
  3. Abbreviations: Look for clues with "Abbr." or shortened forms
  4. Plural indicators: Words ending in 'S' are common in Across
  5. Pop culture references: Names and titles often appear horizontally

Time-Saving Across Techniques

Technique How It Helps
Scan all Across first Get a mental map of the horizontal flow
Fill short Across words 3-4 letter words are often articles or prepositions
Use crossing letters Down letters help confirm Across answers
Look for themes Related Across answers often share a theme

Frequently Asked Questions About Across Clues

What are Across clues in crossword puzzles?

Across clues are the horizontal entries in a crossword puzzle that read from left to right. They're numbered and correspond to specific rows in the grid.

Should I solve Across or Down clues first?

Many solvers prefer starting with Across clues because reading left-to-right feels more natural. However, the best approach is to solve the clues you find easiest first, regardless of direction.

How many Across clues are in today's puzzle?

Today's NYT crossword has 35 Across clues.

Are Across clues easier than Down clues?

Neither direction is inherently easier. The difficulty depends on the specific clues and your knowledge. However, Across clues often contain more common phrases and expressions.

How do Across clues interact with Down clues?

Across and Down clues intersect at various points in the grid. Solving one can provide letters that help solve the other, making the puzzle easier as you progress.


About This Page: We provide comprehensive Across clues solutions and hints for the NYT Crossword to help you improve your solving skills. This site is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Last Updated: December 27, 2025 at 04:52 AM

Search terms: NYT Across, Across clues, horizontal, crossword answers, left to right, December 27 2025 across clues

Mini Crossword NYT December 27, 2025 - Today's Puzzle Solved in Under 1 Minutes

Mini Crossword NYT December 27, 2025 - Today's Puzzle Solved in Under 1 Minutes

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Mini Crossword has 20 clues total. We have all the answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Popular Puzzles: October 29 2022 NYT Clues Solutions | Xwordhint Crossword Answers September_25 | NYT Across Crossword December 11 2025 |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for December 27, 2025
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Saturday, December 27, 2025
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date December 27, 2025
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

Today's NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

This puzzle uses a 5 by 5 grid. That means 5 boxes across and 5 boxes down.

5x5 Crossword Grid Pattern
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5
Row 1     
Row 2     
Row 3     
Row 4     
Row 5     

How to Solve This Puzzle Fast

  1. Read all the clues first - your brain will start working on them
  2. Fill in the short words first (3 letters or less)
  3. Use the crossing letters to help with harder words
  4. If a clue has a question mark (?), it's probably a joke or play on words
  5. Common short words: THE, AND, ARE, FOR, NOT

Quick Facts About This Puzzle

  • Total squares in grid: 25 (5 times 5)
  • Average time to solve: Less than 1 minute
  • Best time to play: During a coffee break
  • Difficulty level: Made for everyone to enjoy

Across Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from left to right in the puzzle.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 19. Price-ending digits, often
2 Across 43. Many a popular TikTok
3 Across 39. Divert
4 Across 42. Bad singer?
5 Across 32. Superman's mother
6 Across 51. Gets dragged along on a beach trip?
7 Across 5. ___ Seton, author of "Foxfire" and "Katherine"
8 Across 18. "At this point, that's no surprise"
9 Across 62. List abbr.
10 Across 63. Certain wings

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

Need help? Here are hints and answers for each clue above. Also check out these helpful guides:


1 Across: "19. Price-ending digits, often"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: N___S

Answer:

Click to reveal NINES


2 Across: "43. Many a popular TikTok"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'M' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: M__E

Answer:

Click to reveal MEME


3 Across: "39. Divert"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: A___E

Answer:

Click to reveal AMUSE


4 Across: "42. Bad singer?"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'T'
  • Another word like this: stinker

Answer:

Click to reveal RAT


5 Across: "32. Superman's mother"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: L__A

Answer:

Click to reveal LARA


6 Across: "51. Gets dragged along on a beach trip?"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 9 letters
  • It starts with 'W' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: W_______S

Answer:

Click to reveal WATERSKIS


7 Across: "5. ___ Seton, author of "Foxfire" and "Katherine""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'A'
  • Word pattern: A__A

Answer:

Click to reveal ANYA


8 Across: "18. "At this point, that's no surprise""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 10 letters
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: I________T

Answer:

Click to reveal IMUSEDTOIT


9 Across: "62. List abbr."

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: E__L

Answer:

Click to reveal ETAL


10 Across: "63. Certain wings"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: E__S

Answer:

Click to reveal ELLS

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 35. Historical region of southwestern France
2 Down 27. "Do the Right Thing" pizzeria
3 Down 11. 2021 science fiction novel by Nnedi Okorafor
4 Down 12. "Whatcha ___?"
5 Down 13. Makes a choice
6 Down 16. John with some ground-breaking inventions
7 Down 28. Cold bathhouse amenity
8 Down 44. Let up
9 Down 46. First responder, for short
10 Down 54. Wind-up toy?

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

Need help? Here are hints and answers for each clue above. You might also like:


1 Down: "35. Historical region of southwestern France"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 9 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: A_______E

Answer:

Click to reveal AQUITAINE


2 Down: "27. "Do the Right Thing" pizzeria"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: S__S

Answer:

Click to reveal SALS


3 Down: "11. 2021 science fiction novel by Nnedi Okorafor"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'R'
  • Word pattern: N__R

Answer:

Click to reveal NOOR


4 Down: "12. "Whatcha ___?""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'N'
  • Word pattern: D__N

Answer:

Click to reveal DOIN


5 Down: "13. Makes a choice"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: O__S

Answer:

Click to reveal OPTS


6 Down: "16. John with some ground-breaking inventions"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'D' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: D___E

Answer:

Click to reveal DEERE


7 Down: "28. Cold bathhouse amenity"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 10 letters
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: P________L

Answer:

Click to reveal PLUNGEPOOL


8 Down: "44. Let up"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: E___D

Answer:

Click to reveal EASED


9 Down: "46. First responder, for short"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'E' and ends with 'T'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal EMT


10 Down: "54. Wind-up toy?"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'K' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: K__E

Answer:

Click to reveal KITE

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

Here are the best tips from expert solvers:

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Quick Scan: Read all clues once. Your brain starts working on them right away.
  2. Easy First: Fill in the shortest words (2-3 letters). These are usually simple words like "IT" or "ON".
  3. Use Crossings: When letters cross, they help you figure out harder words.
  4. Watch for Wordplay: Clues with question marks (?) are jokes or puns.
  5. Common Words: Remember these appear often: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE.

Letter Tips That Really Help

  • The letter E is the most common in English
  • Words ending in S are often plurals
  • If you see "___" in a clue, the answer fits those blanks exactly
  • Abbreviations in clues mean the answer is also abbreviated

Time Goals to Aim For

Your Time Skill Level What It Means
Under 30 seconds Expert You know the puzzle patterns very well!
30-60 seconds Advanced Great job! You solve quickly.
1-2 minutes Good You're doing well. Keep practicing!
Over 2 minutes Learning You'll get faster with practice.

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20 clues to solve
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25 squares to fill
Average Time: Most people solve in 1 minute 10 seconds
Difficulty: A bit tricky

Common Questions About NYT Mini Crossword

When can I play the NYT Mini?

The puzzle comes out at 10 PM Eastern Time the night before. So you can play Monday's puzzle starting Sunday at 10 PM.

How fast should I be able to solve it?

Most people solve the Mini in 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Don't worry if you take longer - speed comes with practice!

Do I need to pay to play?

No! The NYT Mini is completely free. You don't need a subscription like the big crossword.

What makes a good Mini solver?

Good Mini solvers know common short words, can spot wordplay quickly, and use crossing letters well. Practice helps a lot!

Are the puzzles harder on certain days?

Unlike the big NYT crossword, the Mini stays about the same difficulty every day. Sometimes Saturday might be a tiny bit harder.


About This Page: We provide hints and answers for the NYT Mini Crossword to help you learn and improve. This site is not connected to The New York Times.

Last Updated: December 27, 2025 at 04:07 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini, Mini crossword, today, answers, hints, December 27 2025 mini crossword

XWordHint Crossword Answers December 27, 2025 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

Master today's NYT crossword with our expert hint system. We provide synonyms, antonyms, and strategic clues to help you solve without spoiling the fun. Perfect for crossword lovers who want that satisfying "aha!" moment.

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Medium

Pro Tip: Start with the fill-in-the-blank clues - they're usually the easiest entry points!

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Org. that organizes rec leagues 4
2A 5. ___ Seton, author of "Foxfire" and "Katherine" 4
3A 9. Interloper whom no one seems to know, informally 5
4A 14. Audio sensors 4
5A 15. Ring on a coaster? 10
6A 17. It offers a narrow point of view 4
7A 18. "At this point, that's no surprise" 10
8A 19. Price-ending digits, often 5
9A 21. Gets into a tight spot 9
10A 22. City west of Knoxville 8
11A 24. Knights of ___, ancient cult in the "Star Wars" universe 3
12A 25. Group that protects the QB 5
13A 26. Cruising, say 4
14A 28. Bussing on the street, e.g., in brief 3
15A 31. Halves of Hamiltons 4
16A 32. Superman's mother 4
17A 34. Some stream settings 5
18A 36. Zip 15
19A 39. Divert 5
20A 40. "I ___ bored!" 4
21A 41. Word that may precede itself? 4
22A 42. Bad singer? 3
23A 43. Many a popular TikTok 4
24A 45. Fantasy author Bardugo 5
25A 47. Amazon wrapper 3
26A 48. Thermostat display, informally 8
27A 51. Gets dragged along on a beach trip? 9
28A 55. What many wine corks do 5
29A 56. March Madness group 10
30A 58. Trace 4
31A 59. Put on a finishing touch 10
32A 60. Man's name that describes a radio that's lost half its frequencies? 4
33A 61. Pitch one might try to perfect 5
34A 62. List abbr. 4
35A 63. Certain wings 4

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Org. that organizes rec leagues"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YMCA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "5. ___ Seton, author of "Foxfire" and "Katherine""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANYA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "9. Interloper whom no one seems to know, informally"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RANDO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "14. Audio sensors"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
  • Similar words include: pinna, capitulum, ear
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EARS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "15. Ring on a coaster?"

10 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LOOPDELOOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "17. It offers a narrow point of view"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long narrow opening
  • Similar words include: incision, cunt, pussy
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SLIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "18. "At this point, that's no surprise""

10 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IMUSEDTOIT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "19. Price-ending digits, often"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one
  • Similar words include: ball club, baseball club, Nina from Carolina
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NINES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "21. Gets into a tight spot"

9 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a device used for easing the foot into a shoe
  • Similar words include: shoehorn
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SHOEHORNS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "22. City west of Knoxville"

8 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OAKRIDGE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "24. Knights of ___, ancient cult in the "Star Wars" universe"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "25. Group that protects the QB"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OLINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "26. Cruising, say"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that in the direction of the sea
  • Similar words include: seaward, seawards
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "28. Bussing on the street, e.g., in brief"

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a lightweight consumer electronic device that looks like a hand-held computer but instead performs specific tasks; can serve as a diary or a personal database or a telephone or an alarm clock etc.
  • Similar words include: personal digital assistant, organizer, organiser
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PDA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "31. Halves of Hamiltons"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ABES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "32. Superman's mother"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LARA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "34. Some stream settings"

5 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an open river valley (in a hilly area)
  • Similar words include: dale
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DALES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "36. Zip"

15 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: JACKDIDDLYSQUAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19A: "39. Divert"

5 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that occupy in an agreeable, entertaining or pleasant fashion
  • Similar words include: disport, divert
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMUSE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "40. "I ___ bored!""

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMSO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "41. Word that may precede itself?"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNTO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "42. Bad singer?"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any of various long-tailed rodents similar to but larger than a mouse
  • Similar words include: bum, puke, betrayer
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "43. Many a popular TikTok"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a cultural unit (an idea or value or pattern of behavior) that is passed from one person to another by non-genetic means (as by imitation)
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MEME

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "45. Fantasy author Bardugo"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that english film actress (1913-1967)
  • Similar words include: Vivien Leigh
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEIGH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "47. Amazon wrapper"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a long thin fluffy scarf of feathers or fur
  • Similar words include: feather boa
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BOA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "48. Thermostat display, informally"

8 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROOMTEMP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "51. Gets dragged along on a beach trip?"

9 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WATERSKIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "55. What many wine corks do"

5 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a convex shape that narrows toward a point
  • Similar words include: wax light, candle, point
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TAPER

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "56. March Madness group"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELITEEIGHT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "58. Trace"

4 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a tiny or scarcely detectable amount
  • Similar words include: scintilla, whit, smidgin
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IOTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31A: "59. Put on a finishing touch"

10 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOTTEDTHEI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32A: "60. Man's name that describes a radio that's lost half its frequencies?"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33A: "61. Pitch one might try to perfect"

5 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that plausible glib talk (especially useful to a salesperson)
  • Similar words include: line of gab, play, patter
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SPIEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34A: "62. List abbr."

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ETAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35A: "63. Certain wings"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an extension at the end and at right angles to the main building
  • Similar words include: ell
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ELLS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Unambiguous question type 5
2D 2. One of Time magazine's "Most Influential Teens" during the 2010s 10
3D 3. Style of French fries 10
4D 4. They may go in for cursing 9
5D 5. Winner of the 1974 rematch "Super Fight II" 3
6D 6. Phrase on some seasoning labels 5
7D 7. "That's what I said!" 15
8D 8. Lhasa ___ 4
9D 9. Wilma Flintstone and Jane Jetson, for two 8
10D 10. ___ Brown, host on the Food Network 5
11D 11. 2021 science fiction novel by Nnedi Okorafor 4
12D 12. "Whatcha ___?" 4
13D 13. Makes a choice 4
14D 16. John with some ground-breaking inventions 5
15D 20. Cardinal ___ 3
16D 23. Spot for a sub 4
17D 27. "Do the Right Thing" pizzeria 4
18D 28. Cold bathhouse amenity 10
19D 29. Extreme music subgenre with heavily distorted guitars 10
20D 30. Concerning 4
21D 31. "The soul should always stand ___": Emily Dickinson 4
22D 33. Leading man? 4
23D 35. Historical region of southwestern France 9
24D 37. Best performances by an actor in a short film? 8
25D 38. "No day but today!" 4
26D 44. Let up 5
27D 46. First responder, for short 3
28D 47. Hollywood icon Davis 5
29D 49. Actor ___ Jackson Jr. 5
30D 50. British baby buggies 5
31D 51. Officially joins 4
32D 52. Off-kilter 4
33D 53. South American monkey with a reduplicative name 4
34D 54. Wind-up toy? 4
35D 57. What may appear after dusk and before dawn 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Unambiguous question type"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YESNO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. One of Time magazine's "Most Influential Teens" during the 2010s"

10 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MALIAOBAMA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Style of French fries"

10 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CRINKLECUT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. They may go in for cursing"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a star-shaped character * used in printing
  • Similar words include: asterisk, star
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASTERISKS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Winner of the 1974 rematch "Super Fight II""

3 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states prizefighter who won the world heavyweight championship three times (born in 1942)
  • Similar words include: Cassius Marcellus Clay, Cassius Clay, Muhammad Ali
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Phrase on some seasoning labels"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOMSG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. "That's what I said!""

15 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YOUHEARDMERIGHT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Lhasa ___"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APSO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Wilma Flintstone and Jane Jetson, for two"

8 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that someone who has red hair
  • Similar words include: redhead, Melanerpes erythrocephalus, redheaded woodpecker
  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REDHEADS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. ___ Brown, host on the Food Network"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALTON

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. 2021 science fiction novel by Nnedi Okorafor"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NOOR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. "Whatcha ___?""

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DOIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Makes a choice"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that select as an alternative over another
  • Similar words include: opt, prefer, choose
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OPTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "16. John with some ground-breaking inventions"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states industrialist who manufactured plows suitable for working the prairie soil (1804-1886)
  • Similar words include: John Deere
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEERE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "20. Cardinal ___"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that estrangement from god
  • Similar words include: blunder, sine, drop the ball
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "23. Spot for a sub"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a shop selling ready-to-eat food products
  • Similar words include: food shop, delicatessen
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DELI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "27. "Do the Right Thing" pizzeria"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SALS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "28. Cold bathhouse amenity"

10 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PLUNGEPOOL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "29. Extreme music subgenre with heavily distorted guitars"

10 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: __________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEATHMETAL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "30. Concerning"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASTO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "31. "The soul should always stand ___": Emily Dickinson"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that slightly open
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AJAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "33. Leading man?"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (old testament) in judeo-christian mythology; the first man and the husband of eve and the progenitor of the human race
  • Similar words include: go, X, hug drug
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ADAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "35. Historical region of southwestern France"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a region of southwestern france between bordeaux and the pyrenees
  • Similar words include: Aquitania
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AQUITAINE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "37. Best performances by an actor in a short film?"

8 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEMOREEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "38. "No day but today!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: YOLO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "44. Let up"

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that move gently or carefully
  • Similar words include: facilitate, relieve, allay
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EASED

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "46. First responder, for short"

3 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: EMT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "47. Hollywood icon Davis"

5 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BETTE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "49. Actor ___ Jackson Jr."

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OSHEA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "50. British baby buggies"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small vehicle with four wheels in which a baby or child is pushed around
  • Similar words include: baby carriage, stroller, go-cart
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRAMS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "51. Officially joins"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the fourth day of the week; the third working day
  • Similar words include: splice, marry, Midweek
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WEDS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "52. Off-kilter"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALOP

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "53. South American monkey with a reduplicative name"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that tree of low-lying coastal areas of southeastern united states having glossy leaves and racemes of fragrant white flowers
  • Similar words include: Oxydendrum arboreum, buckwheat tree, sourwood
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TITI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "54. Wind-up toy?"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a bank check that has been fraudulently altered to increase its face value
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KITE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "57. What may appear after dusk and before dawn"

3 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

Begin with fill-in-the-blank clues and short 3-4 letter words. These are your foundation.

Decode the Clues

Question marks indicate wordplay or puns. "Maybe" suggests multiple interpretations.

Use Cross-References

Let intersecting letters guide you. One correct answer unlocks several others.

Build Vocabulary

Common crossword words repeat. Learning them speeds up future solving.

Today's Puzzle Stats

35 Across Clues
35 Down Clues
70 Total Clues

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Last updated: December 27, 2025 at 04:07 AM