The Mini is a smaller iteration of The New York Times‘ revered daily crossword. While the complete crossword presents a broader challenge that demands knowledge and patience, The Mini delivers a distinct experience.
With only a handful of clues to crack, the daily puzzle acts as a speed test for numerous players.
When a tough clue disrupts a player’s flow, it can lead to frustration! If you’re finding yourself stuck on The Mini — akin to Wordle and Connections — we’re here to assist you.
Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Enjoy games on Mashable
Below are the clues and solutions to NYT’s The Mini for Monday, August 18, 2025:
Across
Fast-food franchise offering 50-piece nuggets
The solution is KFC.
Circle above an angel’s head
The solution is Halo.
Queen or king
The solution is Royal.
Independently
The solution is Apart.
Karaoke bar items
The solution is Mikes.
Down
Lake vessel with a reversible name
The solution is Kayak.
Emergency signal for a stranded vehicle
The solution is Flare.
Indianapolis NFL franchise
The solution is Colts.
Native people of Arizona
The solution is Hopi.
Stubborn creature
The solution is Ram.
If you’re in search of additional puzzles, Mashable has games for you! Visit our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.