The NYT Mini Crossword might be small in size, but it packs a punch when it comes to testing your brainpower. Unlike its big sibling, the full-size NYT crossword, The Mini offers a much faster challenge — often completed in under a minute by seasoned solvers.
But don’t let its size fool you. The Mini can still be surprisingly tricky. With clever wordplay and unexpected answers, it’s easy to hit a mental block. That’s where we come in. If you found yourself stuck on today’s Mini crossword for Saturday, June 21, we’ve rounded up the answers below so you can keep your streak alive.
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Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Clues and Answers for June 21
Let’s break down the puzzle, clue by clue. Here are the full answers for both the Across and Down sections of The Mini crossword for June 21:
Across
1. What drivers in New Jersey can’t legally get on their own
GAS
Did you know New Jersey is one of the last states where pumping your own gas is illegal? This quirky law has been in place since 1949.
4. World revolution?
ORBIT
A clever bit of wordplay. This clue hints at both a literal astronomical revolution — like the Earth’s orbit around the sun — and a figurative one.
5. Shrek’s beloved
FIONA
Fans of the iconic animated ogre will know this instantly. Princess Fiona is Shrek’s feisty and lovable partner throughout the movie series.
6. Cabin ___ (cooped-up restlessness)
FEVER
A term that became especially familiar during the pandemic, “cabin fever” refers to the anxious feeling from being indoors too long.
7. Hardly any
FEW
A simple and straightforward answer — though easy to overthink if you’re speeding through!
Down
1. “Good ___!” (Charlie Brown catchphrase)
GRIEF
A classic Peanuts reference. Poor Charlie Brown just can’t catch a break, and this expression says it all.
2. Superior to
ABOVE
This could relate to physical height or ranking — either way, “above” fits both interpretations perfectly.
3. Band of tissue connecting muscle and bone
SINEW
A slightly tougher clue for non-biology fans. “Sinew” is an old-school term, but a precise one.
6. A little bit “not quite right”
OFF
When something feels strange or incorrect, it’s just a little “off.” Short, simple, and expressive.
7. Paving substance
TAR
Found on roads and driveways, tar is a sticky black substance used in paving and roofing.
Why We Love The Mini
The Mini isn’t just a shortened version of the daily crossword — it’s a totally different game. Many players treat it like a personal challenge, testing how quickly they can fill it out. Others just enjoy the quick hit of wordplay with their morning coffee.
What makes The Mini especially fun is how it walks the line between accessibility and cleverness. Even beginners can get through it, but some clues — like “world revolution” for “orbit” — give puzzle veterans a satisfying “a-ha!” moment.
Tips for Solving Faster
Want to get faster at The Mini? Here are a few pro tips:
- Start with the shortest clues. They’re often the easiest and can give you letters that help with harder answers.
- Practice pattern recognition. Certain clue types (like wordplay, fill-in-the-blank, or trivia) show up frequently.
- Use crosses wisely. If you’re stuck on one direction, switch to the other — crossing letters can reveal the answer quickly.
- Time yourself. Many solvers like to track their times and try to beat their personal best each day.
Related:
Related Daily Games You’ll Love
If you enjoy The Mini, chances are you’ll also love other New York Times games like:
- Wordle: The viral hit where you guess a five-letter word in six tries.
- Connections: Group words into logical categories — a mix of logic and vocabulary.
- Spelling Bee: Create as many words as you can from seven given letters.
- Strands: The newest twist in NYT’s word game lineup, perfect for thematic puzzle fans.
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Keep Your Streak Going
Whether you solved today’s Mini in 30 seconds or got stuck halfway through, don’t worry — the joy is in the solving, not the timing. Bookmark this page or follow us daily for clues, answers, and insights to help sharpen your puzzle game.
