The Mini is a fast, five-by-five crossword that resets at 10 p.m. and often comes down to one or two tricky squares. If you want a nudge before committing to full spoilers, start with the hint table. Ready for the solutions? Jump to the answers section below.

NYT Mini hints for Oct 16, 2025 (no direct spoilers)

Entry Clue Hint
1A Red or white, but not blue Starts with W
5A Island country whose culture inspired much of “Moana” Ends with A
6A Garlic ___ (pizzeria appetizer) Ends with S
7A Small coastal waterway Starts with I
8A Protective football gear Ends with S
1D “___ bet?” Ends with A
2D Remark after not getting a modern reference Starts with I
3D Movie studio’s feedback for a director Ends with S
4D 3 o’clock, directionally Starts with E
5D Button pressed to escape a YouTube ad Starts with S

NYT Mini answers for Oct 16, 2025

Entry Clue Answer
1A Red or white, but not blue WINE
5A Island country whose culture inspired much of “Moana” SAMOA
6A Garlic ___ (pizzeria appetizer) KNOTS
7A Small coastal waterway INLET
8A Protective football gear PADS
1D “___ bet?” WANNA
2D Remark after not getting a modern reference IMOLD
3D Movie studio’s feedback for a director NOTES
4D 3 o’clock, directionally EAST
5D Button pressed to escape a YouTube ad SKIP

Tip: The Mini’s compact grid rewards quick cross-checking. If a fill looks off, lean on crosses—there are fewer letters to confirm, and one correction often resolves the whole corner.