NYT Mini Crossword Clues and Answers for February 22, 2025

NEW YORK, NY — The New York Times Mini Crossword for February 22, 2025, has delighted fans with a variety of clues and answers, designed for quick play. This daily puzzle is known for its compact five by five grid, offering a fast yet engaging experience.

Unlike its larger counterpart, the NYT Mini is free to play on the NYT Games app, though players need a subscription to access previous puzzles in the archives. Many enjoy this quick distraction, often aiming to complete it in less than a minute.

The specific clues for today include entries such as ‘Size between sm. and lg.’ with the answer ‘MED’, and ‘Sharp parts of forks,’ for which the solution is ‘TINES.’ Other notable clues involve literary references, such as ‘Louise ___, Pulitzer-winning author of “The Night Watchman” and “The Mighty Red“‘ which corresponds to ‘ERDRICH.’

For players needing assistance, here are the complete answers for today’s crossword:

• ACROSS
• 1) Size between sm. and lg. – MED
• 4) Sharp parts of forks – TINES
• 6) Cutting device in a woodworking shop – BANDSAW
• 8) Louise ___, Pulitzer-winning author of “The Night Watchman” and “The Mighty Red” – ERDRICH
• 9) Faux meat option at Thanksgiving – TOFURKEY
• 10) Songs, informally – TUNES
• 11) Drug also called acid – LSD
• DOWN
• 1) Consciously focused on the present moment – MINDFUL
• 2) Evasive maneuvers – ENDRUNS
• 3) Wished for – DESIRED
• 4) Kind of deck with four suits: wands, cups, swords and pentacles – TAROT
• 5) Tackles of the quarterback – SACKS
• 6) “Oh yeah? Wanna ___?” – BET
• 7) Preschooler’s repeated question – WHY

The puzzle’s complexity can vary, and today’s challenge was highlighted by several players as particularly interesting. The clue for ‘sharp parts of forks,’ was a tricky one that caught some off guard, with common guesses that included ‘prongs’ and ‘points,’ which were incorrect.

Players looking to enhance their crossword skills can take advantage of numerous hints and tips available through various online platforms. The NYT Mini Crossword continues to draw attention for its blend of simplicity and challenge, making it a favorite among crossword enthusiasts.