NYT Mini Crossword answers and clues for May 13, 2025: Full puzzle solutions, expert tips, and how to play the free daily game
Global Desk May 13, 2025 11:40 PM
Synopsis

NYT Mini Crossword Answers and Clues for May 13, 2025 give fans a fresh puzzle challenge to solve in under a minute. This daily 5×5 grid, created by Joel Fagliano, is free to play online and through the NYT Games app. Today’s answers include words like LASER, DRIVE, and ELVES. Whether you’re a crossword pro or just getting started, the Mini offers a quick mental boost. Want to improve your solve time or just check today’s answers? This guide breaks down clues, solutions, history, and expert tips—all in a friendly, easy-to-read way. Dive in and test your puzzle skills!

Check out the NYT Mini Crossword answers and clues for May 13, 2025. Quick, fun, and free to play—get the full list of today’s solutions, puzzle tips, and a guide to solving smarter with Joel Fagliano’s popular mini puzzle.
NYT Mini Crossword Answers and Clues for May 13, 2025: Can You Solve Today’s Puzzle Faster Than a Minute?- The NYT Mini Crossword Answers and Clues for May 13, 2025 are out, and puzzle fans are racing to beat the clock. If you’re one of the thousands who enjoy testing your wordplay skills every morning, this quick brain teaser might already be part of your daily routine.

What is the NYT Mini Crossword and why is it so popular?

The New York Times Mini Crossword is a fast-paced version of the full-sized NYT crossword puzzle. Created by Joel Fagliano and introduced on August 21, 2014, the Mini is designed for speed and simplicity, usually fitting into a 5×5 grid. Sometimes, particularly on Saturdays, the size expands to 7×7.

What sets the Mini apart is its accessibility. It’s free to play daily on the NYT website and NYT Games app, though access to archived puzzles requires a subscription. With puzzles taking under two minutes to solve for many users, it’s a quick mental workout that appeals to both beginners and seasoned solvers.

What are the NYT Mini Crossword answers for May 13, 2025?

If you’re stuck or just curious to check your guesses, here are the official NYT Mini Crossword answers for Tuesday, May 13, 2025:

Across Clues and Answers

  • 1A: “Pointer” used to highlight a talking point – LASER

  • 6A: Submit a C.V. – APPLY

  • 7A: Get behind the wheel – DRIVE

  • 8A: “Oh boy, that’s not good!” – YIKES

  • 9A: _ Misérables – LES

Down Clues and Answers

  • 1D: “___ Madonna” (Beatles song) – LADY

  • 2D: When March Madness ends, curiously – APRIL

  • 3D: Sudden increase – SPIKE

  • 4D: Legolas and Galadriel, in The Lord of the Rings – ELVES

  • 5D: Spirits akin to bourbons – RYES

These answers reflect a typical Mini puzzle—concise, clue-driven, and rooted in general knowledge, pop culture, and wordplay.

How do you get better at solving the NYT Mini Crossword?

If you're aiming to improve your solving time, consider these Mini Crossword tips:

  • Start with the obvious: Begin with the shortest and most straightforward clues. These can anchor the puzzle and reveal crossing letters.

  • Use intersecting answers: Filling out a few clues gives you hints for others. Focus on building off known letters.

  • Don’t hesitate to guess: If a word seems likely, try it out. You can always correct it later.

  • Think like a puzzle editor: NYT clues often rely on puns or multiple meanings. Try reading clues with fresh eyes.

Even one correct answer can set off a chain reaction that unlocks the rest.

Can you really play the NYT Mini Crossword for free?

Yes, the Mini Crossword is free to play daily via the New York Times Games site and mobile app. However, for those interested in digging through the archives or playing the full-sized daily crosswords, a subscription is necessary.

As of 2025, the NYT Games subscription costs approximately $5 per month or $40 annually, and includes access to other games like Spelling Bee, Letter Boxed, and the classic Crossword.

Who makes the NYT Mini Crossword every day?

The Mini Crossword was developed by Joel Fagliano, who has served as its editor since its 2014 launch. While the full-sized NYT Crossword is edited by Will Shortz, Fagliano has been behind most of the Minis. Occasionally, other puzzle constructors contribute, but the structure and tone remain consistent.

The editing ensures high-quality, clever clues and wide appeal. Fagliano’s background in puzzle creation and editing has helped shape the Mini into a daily ritual for many.

Why does the NYT Mini Crossword keep trending?

Short, satisfying, and addictive—that’s the secret sauce behind the Mini’s success. With only 10 clues total (on average) and a grid small enough to fit on your phone screen, it offers a quick dopamine hit in the middle of your busy day. Whether you're a casual solver or a crossword veteran, it's the perfect mental coffee break.

As puzzles become increasingly popular on social media platforms and among mobile gamers, NYT Games continues to see a rise in daily users. The Mini is often shared by players boasting about their sub-minute solves or clever clue deductions.

The NYT Mini Crossword answers for May 13, 2025 showcase just how effective this short-form puzzle is at delivering quick, enjoyable challenges. With clues like “Pointer used to highlight a talking point” (LASER) and “Legolas and Galadriel, in The Lord of the Rings” (ELVES), it's a mix of wit, pop culture, and vocabulary.

FAQs:

Q1: What are the NYT Mini Crossword answers for May 13, 2025?
A1: The NYT Mini answers include LASER, DRIVE, YIKES, ELVES, and more.

Q2: Is the NYT Mini Crossword free to play every day?
A2: Yes, it’s free daily on the NYT Games app and website.
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