NYT Mini Crossword Clues and Answers for March 18 Revealed

NEW YORK, March 17, 2025 — The New York Times Mini Crossword for March 18 offers players a quick brain challenge with its compact five-by-five grid. Featuring a set of engaging clues that test your knowledge in a fun, rapid-fire way, the Mini Crossword emphasizes speed and wit.

Available to play for free on the New York Times website and the NYT Games app, the Mini crossword has gained popularity among casual solvers and seasoned crossword enthusiasts alike. While the current day’s puzzle is free, players need a subscription to access previous puzzles from the archives.

The March 18 Mini Crossword puzzle is crafted to be completed in just a few minutes, with the average solver aiming to beat a minute. However, some clues may present challenges that require thoughtful consideration. For players looking for assistance, the answers to this week’s puzzle are as follows:

ACROSS

1) “Dude! Come on!” – BRUH

5) San Antonio attraction to “remember” – ALAMO

6) Recurring Stallone role – RAMBO

7) Stream – CREEK

8) Hudson after whom the Hudson River is named – HENRY

DOWN

1) Loudly play, as a speaker – BLARE

2) Dish that might come with a spoon and chopsticks – RAMEN

3) Raw ___, color in the Crayola Hall of Fame – UMBER

4) Something “played” to avoid class – HOOKY

5) Eyebrow shape – ARCH

In light of the theme, players should note the potential confusion presented by Sylvester Stallone’s characters, both starting with ‘R’ and fitting within the crossword’s constraints. This has led some players to mistake ‘RAMBO’ for ‘ROCKY’ in previous puzzles.

Gael Cooper, a CNET editor and co-author of several books on pop culture, notes that while the Mini Crossword may seem straightforward, hints can enhance the solving experience, especially on difficult days. “The Mini Crossword is like a daily dose of fun that helps to sharpen your puzzle-solving skills,” she remarked. “Plus, it brings an excitement that’s easy to share with others.”

The NYT Mini Crossword continues to be an engaging part of The New York Times’ extensive games collection, which also includes popular puzzles like Wordle and Strands. While many users enjoy the Mini for its brevity, the larger crossword remains a favored traditional challenge for those seeking a deeper experience.