President pro ___ NYT Crossword Clue
Crossword solvers see “President pro ___” pop up all the time, hinting at one of those classic fill-in-the-blank entries that test how deep your trivia and abbreviation knowledge runs. It’s the kind of clue that zips in and out of the NYT Mini grid, sometimes tripping up even veterans—mostly because it feels so familiar that your brain goes blank for a second.
Answer:
Today’s answer: TEM. Just three letters, and an absolute staple for constructors, especially when they want something that flows smoothly with crosses.
Explanation:
What’s “President pro tem” about? In the U.S. Senate, “President pro tempore” (often shortened to “pro tem”) is the senator who presides when the Vice President is away. It’s all about tradition and formal titles—“pro tem” itself comes from Latin, meaning “for the time being.” In the crossword world, this abbreviation is a favorite because it’s quick, reliable, and always fits a three-letter slot. If you ever get stuck, remember: if “president” is followed by “pro ___,” the grid’s probably after “TEM.”
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers – August 2, 2025
For solvers looking to double-check today’s stack, here’s a rundown for August 2, 2025:

TikTok or Tinder | Show |
Lawyers' org. | Show |
Place with Bunsen burners and beakers, in brief | Show |
Product that can be sampled with a spray on the wrist | Show |
Visibly muscular | Show |
Groceries carrier | Show |
Self-indulgent "journey" | Show |
AOL alternative | Show |
Things that phone users might accidentally tap on webpages | Show |
Sports org. that now includes schools from Texas and California, strangely enough | Show |
Hobbyists with cameras, informally | Show |
Big name in exercise bikes | Show |
"Solve for x" subject | Show |
Temporary fix, so to speak | Show |
Pres. Lincoln | Show |
"Show me the ___" (punny request at an art museum) | Show |
President pro ___ | Show |
Road trip assistance, for short | Show |
About NYT Mini Crossword
The NYT Mini is a mad dash of language, pop culture, and pure crossword history. Clues are kept short and sweet, but each one’s a nod to either daily life, historical trivia, or classic puzzle traditions. “President pro ___” has shown up for decades, reminding everyone that some clues never go out of style. It’s a puzzle that rewards recall and intuition equally.
How to Solve a Crossword
Smartest move? Start with the gimmes—like well-worn abbreviations or names. They hand you those opening letters that unlock tougher, weirder clues on the second or third pass. If “President pro ___” looks odd, trust your instincts: three letters, common crossword-ese, don’t try to overthink it. Mistakes are part of the game—erase, retry, and come back to it later if needed. Solving the Mini is less about speed and more about letting the clues speak to you, one at a time.
Tips for NYT Mini Crosswords
Quick wins come from short abbreviations—“TEM” is nearly always the fill for this clue.
Use crossings aggressively. If things don’t line up, swap answers freely.
Don’t force logic on old-fashioned clues—Mini puzzles thrive on classic abbreviations and catchphrases.
Step away and recheck if stumped. Fresh eyes solve what a stuck brain can’t.
Accept that every Mini brings new favorites and old classics. Regular solving builds a sixth sense for these grid-fillers.