If you’re like me, the day won’t be over until I finish all the free New York Times puns. Working on Connections, Wordle and Strands every day is quite a ritual for many of us. And we can’t forget The New York Times Mini Crossword either!
Although The New York Times is known for “The Crossword,” a larger puzzle aimed at paid subscribers, The Mini also has many fans. This particular game resets at 10 p.m., unlike some others which start again at midnight.
So if you’re working on today’s Mini on Thursday December 11, 2025 and need help (I’ve been there), get ready to read the clues and solutions for each line. We’ve first separated them into clues for the words “Across” and “Down”, followed by “Across Answers” and “Down Answers”, so be careful if you want to avoid spoilers as you scroll!
🎬 SUBSCRIBE to Parade’s daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news and celebrity interviews delivered straight to your inbox 🎬
Tips for The NYT Mini Crossword for Thursday December 11, 2025
Here are additional clues for each of the words in today’s mini crossword.
NYT Mini through the indices
1 Across: Painter’s protective clothing — TIP: Start with the letter “S”
6 Through: “Toy Story 5” studio — TIP: Ends with the letter “R”
7 Across: Your answer to “Where were you at 9 p.m. last night?” “, maybe – TIP: Start with the letter “A”
8 through: tennis star Rafael – TIP: Start with the letter “N”
9 Opposite: Solemn sound of a church bell — TIP: Ends with the letter “L”
Related: 16 Games Like Wordle to Give You a Solution to Your Word Game More Than Once Every 24 Hours
NOW Mini tips for the descent
1 Down: Solidly defeated, in slang — TIP: Ends with the letter “K”
2 Down: Italian city with a fashion week — TIP: Ends with the letter “N”
3 Down: Iron ___ (rust) – TIP: Start with the letter “O”
4 Down: Small group of conspirators — TIP: Ends with the letter “L”
5 Down: Food for a baleen whale – TIP: Start with the letter “K”
Answers to the New York Times mini crossword for Thursday, December 11, 2025
Don’t go any further unless you want to know Exactly what are the correct words in today’s mini crosswords.
NYT Mini through Answers
1 Across: Painter’s protective clothing — BLOUSE
6 Through: “Toy Story 5” studio — PIXAR
7 Across: Your answer to “Where were you at 9 p.m. last night?” “, maybe – ALIBI
8 through: tennis star Rafael – NADAL
9 Opposite: Solemn sound of a church bell — GLAS
Answers from the NYT Mini Down
1 Down: Solidly defeated, in slang — SPANKING
2 Down: Italian city with a fashion week — MILAN
3 Down: Iron ___ (rust) – OXIDE
4 Down: Small group of conspirators — CABAL
5 Down: Food for a baleen whale – Krill
Related: Old Navy’s ‘Lightweight, Strong Layer’ Is the Comfortable, Chic Essential Shoppers Love
This story was originally published by Parade on December 11, 2025, where it first appeared in the Life section. Add Parade as your preferred source by clicking here.
