The New York Times Mini Crossword, a popular word puzzle within the Times’ Games collection, presents a daily challenge for word enthusiasts. This particular puzzle, from January 23, 2025, posed a slight difficulty with the clue for 6-Across, “ME, in an address.” The answer, MAINE, might initially lead one to consider postal addresses directed to oneself. However, the clue cleverly refers to the abbreviation for the state of Maine. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the crossword clues and their corresponding answers, offering assistance to those who may have stumbled upon the same tricky clue or other parts of the puzzle. It also directs readers to additional resources, including daily hints and solving tips for the Mini Crossword, as well as solutions for other NYT games like Wordle, Connections, and Strands.
Navigating the world of the NYT Mini Crossword involves understanding the structure of the clues and answers. The January 23rd puzzle included clues like “It’s only a ___” (GAME), “Here’s a pointer!” (ARROW), “Fencing swords at the Olympics” (EPEES), and “Fit one inside the other, like measuring cups” (NEST) for the Across clues. The Down clues ranged from “Purple candy flavor” (GRAPE) and “Zodiac ram” (ARIES) to “French painter of ‘Water Lilies'” (MONET) and “Rams’ mates” (EWES). These clues require a blend of general knowledge, vocabulary, and lateral thinking to decipher.
Beyond simply providing the answers, the article emphasizes the importance of understanding the solving process. It highlights how the “ME, in an address” clue can be misleading and how sometimes completing other parts of the puzzle can illuminate the answer to a tricky clue. This highlights a key strategy in crossword solving – using the intersecting letters of already solved words to help decipher the remaining clues. This process of deduction and inference is central to the enjoyment and challenge of crossword puzzles.
Access to past Mini Crosswords requires a subscription to the New York Times Games section. This subscription unlocks a vast archive of previous puzzles, providing a continual source of entertainment and mental exercise. While the current day’s Mini Crossword is freely available, the subscription allows dedicated solvers to revisit older puzzles, track their progress, and further refine their skills. The subscription model allows the New York Times to continue offering a high-quality gaming experience while also providing value to subscribers.
The article also serves as a gateway to a broader collection of NYT games. It directs readers to CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page, where they can find assistance with daily puzzles like Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition, and Strands. This reinforces the interconnected nature of the NYT Games ecosystem, offering a diverse range of word puzzles and logic games to cater to a wide array of interests and skill levels. By providing links to these other games, the article encourages readers to explore the full breadth of the NYT’s puzzle offerings.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the January 23, 2025, NYT Mini Crossword, addressing the specific challenge presented by the 6-Across clue while also offering a broader perspective on the puzzle-solving process and the wider world of NYT Games. It encourages strategic thinking, provides access to helpful resources, and ultimately enhances the enjoyment and appreciation of this popular pastime. By highlighting the intricacies of a seemingly simple clue, the article illuminates the depth and complexity that can be found within even the most concise word puzzles. It fosters a sense of community among puzzle enthusiasts and encourages further exploration of the rich and rewarding world of word games.
