The New York Times Mini Crossword has a special place in the daily routine of many puzzle lovers. It’s short, it’s snappy, and it packs a surprising punch for something that can be solved in under five minutes. Whether you’re new to crosswords or a seasoned solver looking for a quick warm-up before tackling the full-size grid, the Mini offers a satisfying dose of wordplay each day.
The puzzle for Tuesday, August 15, 2025 was a fine example of what makes the Mini so addictive — a mix of familiar terms, cultural nods, and a couple of clues that make you pause just long enough to feel that rush when they click. Below, you’ll find the complete set of clues and answers for today, along with a little extra context, tips, and even some trivia about the words themselves.
Across Clues and Answers
| Clue | Answer | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Morning garment in many traditional robes | GOWN | A “gown” can be anything from a simple dressing gown worn at home to an elaborate ceremonial robe. In many cultures, gowns are worn for graduations, weddings, and other formal events. |
| “____ Together” – Marvel’s teamwork mantra | STRONG | This nod to Marvel’s “Strong Together” slogan is a nice way to sneak pop culture into the puzzle. Even non-Marvel fans might get this one by thinking of common positive adjectives that fit the pattern. |
| Part of the body that senses balance | EAR | Your inner ear isn’t just for hearing — it also contains the vestibular system, which helps maintain your balance. |
| Fruit often used in pies | APPLE | A crossword classic. Apple pies are a symbol of comfort food in many places, especially in the United States. |
| Stylish glare (slang) | STARE | “Serving a stare” or “giving a stare” has entered fashion slang to describe a bold, confident look. |
Down Clues and Answers
| Clue | Answer | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Legal document granting temporary custody | TEMPWARD | A less common term, short for “temporary ward,” used in legal contexts to describe guardianship given on a temporary basis. |
| Period of the day at dawn | DAWN | The moment when light first appears in the sky — a favorite time for poets and photographers alike. |
| One way to say “hello” in French | SALUT | A casual greeting in French, equivalent to “hi.” It’s less formal than “bonjour.” |
| Stick used for hitting or pushing | ROD | A simple, functional word. It could refer to a fishing rod, a metal bar, or a stick in sports. |
| “____ or keep it” – common idiom for honesty | ASK | The phrase plays on the idea of asking before taking something — a reminder of good manners. |
How the Puzzle Plays Out
This was a balanced puzzle — approachable for beginners, yet not so straightforward that experienced solvers could do it on autopilot.
- Fast entry points: Short answers like EAR, DAWN, and ROD gave instant traction in the grid. These are the kind of words you can drop in immediately, setting up crossings for the trickier entries.
- Mid-length comfort zone: GOWN and APPLE are straightforward but satisfying fills that open up large sections of the puzzle.
- The curveball: TEMPWARD is the type of entry you either know instantly or have to piece together entirely from the crosses. It’s unusual enough to make you pause but solvable with a little patience.
Solving Approach
Every solver has their own style, but here’s how this grid unfolded smoothly:
- Start with the obvious – Short, everyday words are your best opening. In this puzzle, EAR, DAWN, and ROD are all quick wins.
- Work the crosses – Once you’ve placed a few short words, the letters you’ve unlocked will start suggesting longer answers like APPLE or GOWN.
- Leave the tricky one for last – TEMPWARD is easier to guess once most of its letters are filled in.
- Rely on patterns – Even if you didn’t know SALUT, seeing S-A-L-_-T with the clue about a French greeting would likely lead you there.
Why the Mini Works So Well
The charm of the Mini lies in its ability to give you a mental workout without demanding a huge time investment. Here’s why it works:
- Compact challenge: A small grid means every clue counts. There’s no filler.
- Daily variety: You might get sports one day, food the next, and literature after that.
- Instant gratification: In just a few minutes, you can complete something — a little win to start your day.
- Universal appeal: Whether you’re 15 or 85, there’s something relatable in each puzzle.
Word Trivia
One of the joys of crosswords is stumbling upon little nuggets of knowledge about the words themselves:
- Gown: The term dates back to the 14th century, when it referred to a long, loose outer garment worn by both men and women.
- Strong: In Old English, strang meant “powerful” or “severe,” and the word has held that sense for over a thousand years.
- Ear: The connection between the ear and balance wasn’t fully understood until the late 19th century.
- Apple: There are more than 7,500 varieties of apples worldwide.
- Salut: Derived from the Latin salus, meaning “health” — so in a way, every time you say it, you’re wishing someone good health.
Tips for Improving Your Mini Times
If you’re aiming to get faster:
- Learn common crossword words – Short, vowel-heavy entries like “Ode,” “Era,” “Ore” appear often.
- Pay attention to clue wording – A simple clue might be a straightforward definition, but if it feels slightly “off,” it might be a pun or wordplay.
- Keep up with pop culture – References to movies, music, and internet slang appear frequently.
- Practice daily – The more you play, the quicker you’ll recognize patterns.
Final Thoughts
The NYT Mini Crossword for August 15, 2025 was a fine mix of straightforward answers and one or two that kept solvers on their toes. It’s a reminder that even a 5×5 puzzle can carry plenty of variety and a small sense of accomplishment.
Whether you’re racing the clock or just enjoying a few quiet minutes with your coffee, today’s Mini had something for everyone: a touch of fashion with GOWN, a Marvel nod with STRONG, a dash of French with SALUT, and the challenge of untangling TEMPWARD.
And that’s the beauty of the Mini — every day is different, but the satisfaction of filling in that last square stays the same.
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