NYT Mini Crossword Answers Today (May 14): Clues & Hints – How Fast Can You Crack It?

Whether you're stuck on a single clue or want to check your final answer, here’s a full breakdown of today's Mini Crossword.

Whether you blazed through it or needed a little boost, there’s no wrong way to enjoy the puzzle. 

Source : Screenshot/New York Times

For many puzzle lovers, a day isn’t quite right until they've had their daily dose of brain teasers from The New York Times. Whether it’s a morning ritual or a late-night habit, fans of the Mini Crossword know the satisfaction of filling in that final square. If you’re still scratching your head over today’s grid from Wednesday, May 14, 2025, don’t worry — we've got all the hints and answers you need (with spoiler alerts, of course).

Unlike The Crossword, which is the more elaborate offering for paying subscribers, The Mini provides a quick yet stimulating challenge — and has carved out a loyal fanbase of its own. It refreshes every night at 10 p.m. ET, giving night owls a head start.

So, whether you're stuck on a single clue or want to check your final answer, here’s a full breakdown of today's puzzle, starting with gentle nudges for each word.

Hints for Across Clues

Need a nudge without giving it all away? Here are some helpful pointers to guide you through the Across entries:

• 1-Across: Think of the furthest possible points on a globe. (Hint: Ends in "S")
• 6-Across: A bulky beast that comes in both "white" and "black" — but don’t be fooled by the names; they’re both gray. (Hint: Starts with "R")
• 7-Across: To put something firmly in place. (Hint: Starts with "E")
• 8-Across: You get what you give. (Hint: Ends in "A")
• 9-Across: A firm refusal during a vote. (Hint: Starts with "N")

Hints for Down Clues

Still blanking out? Try these clues for the Down words before you scroll to the full solution:

• 1-Down: A casual term for early childhood education — ages 3 to 5. (Hint: Ends in "K")
• 2-Down: Slangy way to express disbelief or amazement. (Hint: Starts with "O")
• 3-Down: Zodiac sign that follows Virgo. (Hint: Ends in "A")
• 4-Down: Sworn _____ — a hostile designation. (Hint: Ends in "Y")
• 5-Down: Something fizzy that comes in bottles. (Hint: Starts with "S")

Spoiler Alert: Today's Full Answers

Scroll only if you're ready to reveal today’s Mini Crossword solutions — consider this your final warning!

Across Answers:

• 1-Across: POLES
• 6-Across: RHINO
• 7-Across: EMBED
• 8-Across: KARMA
• 9-Across: NAY

Down Answers:

• 1-Down: PRE-K
• 2-Down: OH MAN
• 3-Down: LIBRA
• 4-Down: ENEMY
• 5-Down: SODA

That’s a wrap for the May 14 edition of the NYT Mini Crossword. Whether you blazed through it or needed a little boost, there’s no wrong way to enjoy the puzzle. 

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