NYT Mini Crossword Answers for October 16, 2025
Updated
Tap a clue to reveal its answer. By Joel Fagliano.
No spoilers until you tap Reveal.
Hint: letter count and first letter of every answer
1A W___ · 5A S____ · 6A K____ · 7A I____ · 8A P___ · 1D W____ · 2D I____ · 3D N____ · 4D E___ · 5D S___
Across
1A: Red or white, but not blue
WINE · more answers for this clue
5A: Island country whose culture inspired much of "Moana"
SAMOA · more answers for this clue
6A: Garlic ___ (pizzeria appetizer)
KNOTS · more answers for this clue
7A: Small coastal waterway
INLET · more answers for this clue
8A: Protective football gear
PADS · more answers for this clue
Down
1D: "___ bet?"
WANNA · more answers for this clue
2D: Remark after not getting a modern reference
IMOLD · more answers for this clue
3D: Movie studio's feedback for a director
NOTES · more answers for this clue
4D: 3 o'clock, directionally
EAST · more answers for this clue
5D: Button pressed to escape a YouTube ad
SKIP · more answers for this clue
Completed grid
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WINE
SAMOA
KNOTS
INLET
PADS
FAQ
1-Across: Red or white, but not blue
WINE.
5-Across: Island country whose culture inspired much of "Moana"
SAMOA.
6-Across: Garlic ___ (pizzeria appetizer)
KNOTS.
7-Across: Small coastal waterway
INLET.
8-Across: Protective football gear
PADS.
1-Down: "___ bet?"
WANNA.
2-Down: Remark after not getting a modern reference
IMOLD.
3-Down: Movie studio's feedback for a director
NOTES.
4-Down: 3 o'clock, directionally
EAST.
5-Down: Button pressed to escape a YouTube ad
SKIP.