Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Clues and Answers for May 23, 2025

NEW YORK, NY – The New York Times Mini Crossword for May 23, 2025, is ready for puzzle enthusiasts. This bite-sized version of the classic crossword offers a quick challenge with only a handful of clues on a five by five grid.

Unlike the standard crossword, which can take considerable time and patience, the Mini is designed for speedy completion. Many players aim to finish the puzzle in under a minute. However, tricky clues can disrupt that flow, causing frustration.

As part of today’s challenge, the clues feature various themes and knowledge points, including some historical references. Notably, one clue refers to Buck O’Neil, the first Black coach in Major League Baseball.

The clues for today include:

ACROSS: 1) Chooses to receive marketing emails, with “in” – OPTS; 5) Buck ___, first Black coach in Major League Baseball (1962) – ONEIL; 6) Like your epidermis? – SKINNY; 7) Like the element Fe? – IRONY; 8) Quite a lot of – MANY.

DOWN: 1) Bulb in the kitchen – ONION; 2) Like an ink-filled writing tool? – PENNY; 3) Microscopic – TINY; 4) Acting deviously – SLY; 5) Green gumbo ingredient – OKRA; 6) ___ card (smartphone chip) – SIM.

The Mini Crossword is free on the NYT website and app, making it an accessible option for anyone looking for a quick brain teaser.

Stay tuned for more Mini puzzles in the days ahead!