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 Tuesday, August 5, 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 Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Here are additional clues for each of the words in today’s Mini Crossword.
NYT Mini Across Hints
1 Across: With 4-Across, non-alcoholic drink with a flavor reminiscent of beer — HINT: Ends with the letter “R”
4 Across: See 1-Across — HINT: Starts with the letter “H”
6 Across: Houston M.L.B. player — HINT: Starts with the letter “A”
7 Across: Sister’s daughter — HINT: Ends with the letter “E”
8 Across: “Just ___ a bite” (parent’s dinner encouragement) — HINT: Starts with the letter “T”
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NYT Mini Down Hints
1 Down: Possesses a certain unnameable quality — HINT: Starts with the letter “H”
2 Down: Animal that’s the mascot of California State University, Monterey Bay — HINT: Ends with the letter “R”
3 Down: Best friend of Thomas the Tank Engine — HINT: Starts with the letter “P”
4 Down: Sickly in appearance — HINT: Starts with the letter “W”
5 Down: Sphere on a sushi roll — HINT: Ends with the letter “E”
Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Tuesday, August 5, 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: With 4-Across, non-alcoholic drink with a flavor reminiscent of beer — HOP WATER
4 Across: See 1-Across — HOP WATER
6 Across: Houston M.L.B. player — ASTRO
7 Across: Sister’s daughter — NIECE
8 Across: “Just ___ a bite” (parent’s dinner encouragement) — TRY
NYT Mini Down Answers
1 Down: Possesses a certain unnameable quality — HAIST
2 Down: Animal that’s the mascot of California State University, Monterey Bay — OTTER
3 Down: Best friend of Thomas the Tank Engine — PERCY
4 Down: Sickly in appearance — WAN
5 Down: Sphere on a sushi roll — ROE
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