If you’re anything like me, the day is not complete until I finish all of the free word games from the New York Times. Working on the daily Connections, Wordle and Strands is a whole ritual for many of us. And we can’t forget about the NYT’s The Mini Crossword, too!
Although the NYT is known for “The Crossword,” a larger puzzle for paid subscribers, The Mini has quite the fan-following as well. This particular game resets at 10 p.m., unlike some of the others that start over at midnight.
So, if you’re working on today’s Mini on Sunday, August 17, 2025, and need some help (I’ve been there), get ready to read the clues and solutions for each line. We have them separated into hints first for both “Across” and “Down” words, followed by “Across Answers” and “Down Answers,” so be careful if you want to avoid spoilers as you scroll!
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Hints for NYT’s The Mini Crossword on Sunday, August 17, 2025
Here are additional clues for each of the words in today’s Mini Crossword.
NYT Mini Across Hints
1 Across: Salsa, hummus, queso, etc. — HINT: Ends with the letter “S”
5 Across: U.S. state capital that rhymes with 9-Across (not 7-Across!) — HINT: Ends with the letter “E”
7 Across: What broadcasters are on — HINT: Starts with the letter “T”
8 Across: “Yes and no …” — HINT: Ends with the letter “F”
9 Across: Societal equal — HINT: Starts with the letter “P”
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NYT Mini Down Hints
1 Down: John ___ (tractor company) — HINT: Starts with the letter “D”
2 Down: Boiling mad — HINT: Ends with the letter “E”
3 Down: “Sorry, I have a ___ commitment” — HINT: Starts with the letter “P”
4 Down: Laborer in medieval times — HINT: Starts with the letter “S”
5 Down: A touchdown is worth six: Abbr. — HINT: Ends with the letter “S”
6 Down: Breakfast chain typically open 24 hours a day — HINT: Ends with the letter “P”
Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Sunday, August 17, 2025
Don’t go any further unless you want to know exactly what the correct words are in today’s Mini Crossword.
NYT Mini Across Answers
1 Across: Salsa, hummus, queso, etc. — DIPS
5 Across: U.S. state capital that rhymes with 9-Across (not 7-Across!) — PIERRE
7 Across: What broadcasters are on — THE AIR
8 Across: “Yes and no …” — SORT OF
9 Across: Societal equal — PEER
NYT Mini Down Answers
1 Down: John ___ (tractor company) — DEERE
2 Down: Boiling mad — IRATE
3 Down: “Sorry, I have a ___ commitment” — PRIOR
4 Down: Laborer in medieval times —SERF
5 Down: A touchdown is worth six: Abbr. — PTS
6 Down: Breakfast chain typically open 24 hours a day — IHOP
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