Happy Thursday, puzzle solvers! We are almost at the weekend, but before we get there, we have a tricky little grid to clear.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword (December 18) feels a bit “modern” with its references to internet culture and tech headaches. If you found yourself stuck on 7-Across, you definitely aren’t the only one—it’s a term that has only recently entered the mainstream vocabulary!
Whether you are chasing a new personal record or just trying to finish without using a “Reveal Letter,” here are the hints and answers you need.
Tricky Clue Breakdown
Before we look at the full list, let’s talk about the clues that might have tripped you up today:
- 7-Across: “Low-quality, machine-generated content, informally” This is a very “2025” clue. The answer is AI SLOP. It’s a slang term used to describe the flood of low-effort, AI-written text and images that clutter up search results and social media feeds.
- 2-Down: “Black piano key next to G” Music theory can be tough if you don’t play an instrument. The key immediately to the right of G is G Sharp (G#), but the key to the left (which is also a black key next to G) is A FLAT (Ab). In crosswords, “A FLAT” is the standard answer format.
- 1-Down: “Small yellow bowties, say” Don’t overthink fashion here! This is referring to the food shape, specifically PASTA (Farfalle).
NYT Mini Crossword Answers (December 18, 2025)
Here is the complete solution key for today’s puzzle.
Across Clues & Answers
- 1 Across: Faux ___ (misstep)
- Answer: PAS
- 4 Across: Folder for unfinished emails
- Answer: DRAFTS
- 7 Across: Low-quality, machine-generated content, informally
- Answer: AI SLOP
- 8 Across: Field of plants
- Answer: BOTANY
- 9 Across: Had a bite
- Answer: ATE
Down Clues & Answers
- 1 Down: Small yellow bowties, say
- Answer: PASTA
- 2 Down: Black piano key next to G
- Answer: A FLAT
- 3 Down: Piece of equipment in curling
- Answer: STONE
- 4 Down: Faddish dance move of the mid-2010s
- Answer: DAB
- 5 Down: ___ de Janeiro
- Answer: RIO
- 6 Down: Costume that might include a black trench coat and sunglasses
- Answer: SPY
Previous NYT Mini Crossword Answers
Did you miss a puzzle this week? Here are the solutions for the last few days:
NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Tuesday, December 16, 2025
NYT Mini Crossword Hints & Answer – December 15, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the NYT Mini reset?
The Mini Crossword resets at 10:00 PM EST on weekdays and 6:00 PM EST on weekends. This means the “Thursday” puzzle technically comes out on Wednesday night for many players in the US!
Is the Mini harder later in the week?
Yes! Just like the main NYT Crossword, the Mini tends to get slightly more difficult or abstract from Monday to Saturday, with Saturday usually being the toughest.
Finished the Mini in record time? Keep the streak going with our hints for today’s Wordle and Strands puzzle.
Did you beat your average time today? Let me know in the comments if “AI SLOP” gave you a pause!
