NYT Mini Crossword Hints & Answers for Tuesday, August 5, 2025

[August 5, 2025 | Earthtechy Gaming News Desk]

If you’re like me, the New York Times Mini Crossword has become a daily ritual — right up there with your morning coffee or evening tea. There’s something so satisfying about knocking out a puzzle in just a few minutes, yet still feeling that little brain-boosting rush when you fill in the last square.

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword for Tuesday, August 5, 2025 was a fun mix of straightforward clues and one or two that made me raise an eyebrow. (Yes, I’m looking at you, 1-Across.) If you’re here, I know you’re either stuck on a clue, want to double-check your answers, or just can’t resist the satisfaction of seeing them all neatly solved. Either way, I’ve got you covered — hints first, then answers, so you can avoid spoilers if you’re still in puzzle mode.

Read More: Wordle #1503 Answer and Hints for July 31, 2025: A Fancy Puzzle With a Double Twist

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Why This Guide Works (Without Ruining the Fun)

I always believe a crossword should challenge you — but not frustrate you to the point of closing the app. That’s why I start with hints for both Across and Down clues. This way, you can give your brain one last nudge before peeking at the solutions.

And a quick reminder for new players: unlike the main NYT Crossword, the Mini resets daily at 10 p.m. ET, so if you want to brag about your solve time to friends, you’ve got to get it done before then.

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NYT Mini Crossword — Across Hints (August 5, 2025)

Here’s your friendly clue boost for each Across entry today:

• 1 Across: With 4-Across, a non-alcoholic drink that tastes like beer — ends with “R.”
• 4 Across: See 1-Across — starts with “H.”
• 6 Across: Houston M.L.B. player — starts with “A.”
• 7 Across: Your sister’s daughter — ends with “E.”
• 8 Across: “Just ___ a bite” — starts with “T.”

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NYT Mini Crossword — Down Hints (August 5, 2025)

And here are your Down hints for the day:

• 1 Down: Has that certain “it” factor — starts with “H.”
• 2 Down: California State University, Monterey Bay’s mascot — ends with “R.”
• 3 Down: Thomas the Tank Engine’s best buddy — starts with “P.”
• 4 Down: Looking pale and unwell — starts with “W.”
• 5 Down: A tiny sphere you might see on sushi — ends with “E.”

NYT Mini Crossword — Across Answers (August 5, 2025)

Alright, no more suspense — here’s how the Across section played out today:

• 1 Across & 4 Across: HOP WATER — This one was my “wait, is that even a thing?” moment. If you haven’t heard of it, hop water is a fizzy, non-alcoholic drink that borrows its flavor from hops (the same plant used in beer). Refreshing, but in puzzle form? Sneaky, NYT.
• 6 Across: ASTRO — A nod to the Houston Astros of Major League Baseball. If you’re a sports fan, this one was a gimme.
• 7 Across: NIECE — A classic crossword family relation clue. Short, sweet, and probably the easiest fill of the day.
• 8 Across: TRY — The parental nudge we’ve all heard at the dinner table.

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NYT Mini Crossword — Down Answers (August 5, 2025)

Now for the Down answers — a mix of pop culture, everyday language, and a little sushi flair:

• 1 Down: HAS IT — That intangible charisma or “it” factor.
• 2 Down: OTTER — California State University, Monterey Bay proudly sports this playful animal as its mascot.
• 3 Down: PERCY — Thomas the Tank Engine’s green, cheerful best friend. If you grew up on those books or TV episodes, you probably smiled filling this in.
• 4 Down: WAN — A simple but elegant word for looking pale or sickly.
• 5 Down: ROE — Those tiny, colorful fish eggs that add texture and flavor to sushi.

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Puzzle Takeaways

For me, HOP WATER was the standout answer today — partly because it’s such a niche beverage, and partly because it spanned two Across clues. It’s the kind of answer that makes you wonder if the editor had a can of it on their desk while writing the puzzle.

Everything else flowed pretty smoothly once that was locked in. The mix of sports (ASTRO), family (NIECE), and pop culture (PERCY) made it a well-balanced Mini that could appeal to a wide audience.

Read More: Today’s Wordle Answer Is Tricky But Fun – Here’s the Clue for #1504 (Aug 1)

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Why the Mini Is Worth Your Daily Five Minutes

The NYT Mini Crossword might only take a few minutes to solve, but it’s a sharp little brain warm-up that pairs perfectly with your morning routine. And unlike bigger crosswords, it’s less about obscure trivia and more about quick connections — a satisfying way to keep your brain on its toes.

If you enjoyed today’s puzzle, I recommend checking out NYT’s Wordle, Connections, and Strands as well. They all offer a different kind of wordplay, but with the same addictive “just one more” feel.

Bookmark this page if you want daily NYT Mini Crossword hints and answers, because I’ll be here every day to guide you through — with just enough clues to keep the fun alive before you peek at the solutions.