Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
I admit I’d never heard of the doubled-up phrase that fills in 1-Across and 4-Across in today’s Mini Crossword. Thankfully, the other clues were easy enough that it filled itself in. Want the answers? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.
The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times’ games collection. If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword
Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.
The completed NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for Aug. 5, 2025.
NYT/Screenshot by CNET
Mini across clues and answers
1A clue: With 4-Across, non-alcoholic drink with a flavor reminiscent of beerAnswer: HOP
4A clue: See 1-AcrossAnswer: WATER
6A clue: Houston M.L.B. playerAnswer: ASTRO
7A clue: Sister’s daughterAnswer: NIECE
8A clue: “Just ___ a bite” (parent’s dinner encouragement)Answer: TRY
Mini down clues and answers
1D clue: Possesses a certain unnameable qualityAnswer: HASIT
2D clue: Animal that’s the mascot of California State University, Monterey BayAnswer: OTTER
3D clue: Best friend of Thomas the Tank EngineAnswer: PERCY
4D clue: Sickly in appearanceAnswer: WAN
5D clue: Spheres on a sushi rollAnswer: ROE
