Looking for the solution to today’s New York Times Mini Crossword? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re just one clue away from finishing or want to double-check your entire grid, we’ve got the full set of answers and helpful hints for Monday, May 12.
If you’re stuck on a particularly tricky clue today, you’re not alone — the Mini Crossword can surprise solvers with clever wordplay and unexpected twists. Thankfully, we’re here to walk you through today’s puzzle step by step. So let’s dive in!
Overview of the NYT Mini Crossword for May 12, 2025
Today’s Mini Crossword offered a nice mix of straightforward and slightly tricky clues. What made this puzzle fun was the clever connection between 7-Across and 3-Down. If you figured out one, the other quickly made sense, showcasing the tight construction and smart clueing that NYT Minis are known for.
Let’s take a closer look at each clue and answer.
Also read: Today Quordle Hints and Answers for Monday May 12, 2025
Today NYT Mini Crossword Answers
Across Clues and Answers
1A. The “D” of D.J.
Answer: DISC
This clue plays on the abbreviation “D.J.” (Disc Jockey). A “D.J.” spins records, or discs, making this a classic, simple clue.
5A. Yet to tie the knot
Answer: UNWED
This clue refers to someone who has not gotten married yet. The answer, UNWED, fits both literally and thematically.
7A. Clothing material that becomes 3-Down after “doubling” a letter
Answer: SUEDE
This one is a bit playful. SUEDE is a type of leather used in clothing and accessories. If you double the “E” in SUEDE, you get SWEDE — the answer to 3-Down, which refers to a person from Sweden.
8A. Like the motion of the ocean
Answer: TIDAL
Describing something that relates to tides or flows, TIDAL fits perfectly. The rhythmic movement of the ocean? That’s tidal behavior.
9A. Actress Garr
Answer: TERI
Teri Garr is a familiar name to many crossword solvers. She’s an actress known for films like Tootsie and Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
Down Clues and Answers
1D. “___ in the Wind” (Kansas classic)
Answer: DUST
A reference to the iconic rock ballad Dust in the Wind by the band Kansas. A bit nostalgic and instantly recognizable for music fans.
2D. People of the Arctic
Answer: INUIT
A factual and respectful term for the Indigenous people of the Arctic regions of Canada, Greenland, and Alaska.
3D. Stockholm resident
Answer: SWEDE
Someone from Stockholm — the capital of Sweden — is a SWEDE. As noted earlier, this answer connects cleverly with 7-Across (SUEDE) through the letter-doubling wordplay.
4D. Traditional wood for a hope chest
Answer: CEDAR
Cedar is often used for hope chests due to its natural resistance to moths and its pleasant aroma. A nice cultural reference in this clue.
6D. Where one looks for lox
Answer: DELI
If you’re craving bagels with lox (cured salmon), a DELI is the go-to place. Another clue rooted in everyday life.
Puzzle Highlights and Theme Notes
The most playful moment in today’s puzzle came with the 7A and 3D interplay. If you weren’t sure what “clothing material” doubled into something else, once you landed on SUEDE, the idea of SWEDE quickly fell into place. These types of subtle connections are what make the NYT Mini Crossword more than just a brainteaser — it’s also a clever little word game that rewards pattern recognition.
Related:
Need Help with the Mini Crossword?
The New York Times Mini Crossword is designed to be solved in under five minutes — but don’t worry if it takes you longer. Some clues are tricky, others might rely on pop culture or historical knowledge you don’t use every day.
If you’re finding some puzzles harder than others, check out our Mini Crossword tips and tricks (link to guide if publishing online). Strategies like filling in shorter words first or tackling obvious clues before moving to the tough ones can help improve your time.
Also read: Today Wordle Hints, Answer, & Clues for Monday, May 12th | Puzzle #1423
Want More NYT Games?
The Mini Crossword is just one part of the New York Times Games collection. Other popular puzzles include:
- Wordle — The five-letter word guessing game that’s taken the internet by storm.
- Connections — A daily challenge where you group related words.
- Strands — A newer puzzle that’s all about finding hidden words within a larger grid.
- Spelling Bee — Make as many words as you can from a set of seven letters.
