NYT Mini Crossword
NYT Mini Crossword is a daily puzzle by The New York Times. The puzzle consists of a 5×5 grid with clues for each word with fewer clues and a smaller grid. The clues are often clever and designed to be solved without extensive outside knowledge.
NYT Mini Crossword puzzles are available online through the New York Times website and app. Players can also access archived puzzles to solve past challenges. The Mini Crossword is a great way to engage the mind and have a bit of fun during a short break or commute.
Speak with a gravelly voice
Answer: RASP
To “rasp” means to speak or make a sound with a rough, harsh, or gravelly voice. It’s often associated with a throaty or hoarse quality in the voice.
Sound of an angry grunt
Answer: HUMPH
“HUMPH” is an onomatopoeic word that represents the sound of an angry or disgruntled grunt. It’s often used to express dissatisfaction, annoyance, or disagreement.
Very excited, with “up”
Answer: AMPED
When someone is “amped up,” it means they are very excited, energized, or enthusiastic about something. Adding “up” to “amped” intensifies the meaning, indicating a high level of excitement or energy.
Lies around lazily
Answer: LOLLS
To “loll” means to recline or lie in a relaxed, lazy, or indolent manner. It implies lounging or resting in a leisurely fashion, often with a lack of motivation or energy.
Ridge on a guitar’s neck
Answer: FRET
On a guitar, frets are the raised metal strips embedded along the neck of the instrument. They divide the neck into different intervals, allowing the player to change the pitch of the strings by pressing them against the frets while playing.
Spot of tea?
Answer: RUMOR
This clue is a play on words. While “spot of tea” typically refers to a small serving of tea, in this context, it’s a play on the word “spot,” which can mean a hint or suspicion of something. Therefore, “RUMOR” fits the clue as it refers to gossip or hearsay, often characterized by unverified information or speculation.
Plentiful
Answer: AMPLE
When something is described as “ample,” it means there is a plentiful or abundant supply of it. It implies a sufficient quantity or more than enough to meet one’s needs or requirements.
Ancient grain in a healthy cereal
Answer: SPELT
Spelt is an ancient grain that has gained popularity in recent years due to its nutritional benefits. It is often used in healthy cereals and baked goods because it is high in fiber, protein, and various nutrients.
Degrees conferred after successful defenses
Answer: PHDS
This clue refers to the academic degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). PhD degrees are typically conferred upon students who have successfully completed a doctoral program, which often includes conducting original research and defending a dissertation.
___-baked (unsound)
Answer: HALF
“Half-baked” is a colloquial term used to describe something that is incomplete, poorly planned, or not fully thought out. In this context, “___-baked” refers to the unsound or incomplete nature of something, indicating that it is not fully developed or reliable.
