The NYT Mini Crossword is a compact 5x5 grid puzzle known for its clever wordplay, pop culture references, and general knowledge clues. Despite its size, it offers a stimulating mental workout that crossword enthusiasts love to tackle daily.
Today’s puzzle includes a fun mix of slang, familiar phrases, and descriptive clues. Below, you'll find both across and down clues with their corresponding answers and context to help boost your crossword-solving skills.
NYT Mini Crossword Puzzle Answers May 28, 2025
Looking for help with today's (May 28, 2025) NYT Mini Crossword puzzle? Here are some hints and answers for today's NYT Mini Crossword Puzzle.
Today's NYT Mini Clues and Answers for May 28, 2025
| Clue | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1A. Stuff that accumulates on a bookshelf | DUST | Fine particles that settle on surfaces like bookshelves over time. |
| 5A. "Inside Out 2" emotion who's constantly glued to her phone | BABY | New "Inside Out 2" character representing a phone-obsessed emotion. |
| 7A. Snack for a squirrel | ACORN | A nut that squirrels commonly gather and eat. |
| 8A. Fail, informally | FLUNK | Slang for failing a test or course. |
| 9A. Crafter's online marketplace | ETSY | Online marketplace where crafters sell handmade or vintage items. |
| 1D. Using sign language, say | DEAF | Often communicate using sign language. |
| 2D. ___ Sam (patriotic symbol) | UNCLE | Refers to "Uncle Sam," a national personification of the U.S. government. |
| 3D. What a tapir can grasp and manipulate objects with | SNOUT | The flexible nose of a tapir used to grasp things. |
| 4D. Chances to play in a board game | TURNS | Individual chances players get during a board game. |
| 6D. Like one's fingers after using a leaky pen | INKY | How fingers look after being stained by a leaky pen. |
1A. Stuff that accumulates on a bookshelf NYT Crossword - DUST
Why Is the Answer “DUST”?
Dust is made up of tiny particles like dead skin cells, fabric fibers, and dirt. Bookshelves collect it easily due to low movement and airflow.
4A. "Inside Out 2" emotion who's constantly glued to her phone NYT Crossword - BABY
Why Is the Answer “BABY”?
In Inside Out 2, new emotions are introduced, and one is named "Ennui" (French for boredom), often depicted like a teen "glued to her phone"—but the clue playfully refers to a character as “BABY,” possibly referencing a young, phone-obsessed persona.
5A. Snack for a squirrel” NYT Crossword Clue
If you’re a fan of the New York Times Crossword, you’ve likely come across clues that play with language in clever ways. One such clue is:
“Snack for a squirrel” (5 letters) The answer is ACORN.
Why Is the Answer “ACORN”?
Acorns are the seeds of oak trees and a favorite food of many squirrel species. They also play a big role in forest ecology, as squirrels often forget where they buried them, helping new trees grow.
6A. Fail, informally NYT Crossword - FLUNK
Why Is the Answer “FLUNK”?
To flunk means to fail, especially in an academic setting. It's a casual or slang term—"He flunked math" means he failed the course.
7A. Crafter's online marketplace NYT Crossword - ETSY
Why Is the Answer “ETSY”?
Etsy is a popular e-commerce platform where independent artists and crafters sell handmade or vintage items. It launched in 2005.
1D. Using sign language, say NYT Crossword - DEAF
Why Is the Answer “DEAF”?
Many deaf individuals use sign language as a primary means of communication. American Sign Language (ASL) is widely used in the U.S. and parts of Canada.
2D. ___ Sam (patriotic symbol) NYT Crossword - UNCLE
Why Is the Answer “UNCLE”?
"Uncle Sam" is a national personification of the U.S. government, often depicted as a stern man in red, white, and blue. The image dates back to the War of 1812.
3D. What a tapir can grasp and manipulate objects with NYT Crossword - SNOUT
Why Is the Answer “SNOUT”?
A tapir's snout is flexible and prehensile, functioning somewhat like an elephant’s trunk. They use it to grab leaves and fruit.
4D. Chances to play in a board game NYT Crossword - TURNS
Why Is the Answer “TURNS”?
In most board games, players wait for their turn to roll dice or make a move. The word “turns” refers to these moments of individual play.
5D. Like one's fingers after using a leaky pen NYT Crossword - INKY
Why Is the Answer “INKY”?
A leaky pen often leaves fingers covered in ink hence, "inky." This messy state is familiar to anyone who’s ever written with a fountain pen!
