Looking for help with today’s NYT Mini Crossword puzzle? Whether you’re stuck on a tricky clue or just want to double-check your answers, we’ve got you covered. Below are the official clues and answers for the New York Times Mini Crossword for Tuesday, August 5, 2025 — along with a few hints and fun facts.
🔍 Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Overview
Date: Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Puzzle Type: Mini Crossword
Difficulty: Easy to Medium
Length: 5×5 grid
Theme: None noted, but clue pairings (like 1A and 4A) created a mini theme around beverages.
✅ August 5 NYT Mini Crossword Answers
🔠 Across Clues and Answers
- 1A. With 4-Across, non-alcoholic drink with a flavor reminiscent of beer
Answer: HOP
(Often used in herbal sodas or hop-infused water) - 4A. See 1-Across
Answer: WATER
(Together with 1A: Hop Water — a trendy beer alternative) - 6A. Houston M.L.B. player
Answer: ASTRO
(Refers to a member of the Houston Astros baseball team) - 7A. Sister’s daughter
Answer: NIECE
(Common family relationship term) - 8A. “Just ___ a bite” (parent’s dinner encouragement)
Answer: TRY
(Classic phrase to get kids to taste new food)
🔡 Down Clues and Answers
- 1D. Possesses a certain unnameable quality
Answer: HASIT
(As in “That person just has it!”) - 2D. Animal that’s the mascot of California State University, Monterey Bay
Answer: OTTER
(Fun and playful mascot choice) - 3D. Best friend of Thomas the Tank Engine
Answer: PERCY
(From the popular kids’ series Thomas & Friends) - 4D. Sickly in appearance
Answer: WAN
(Pale or unhealthy-looking) - 5D. Spheres on a sushi roll
Answer: ROE
(Fish eggs used in sushi, like salmon roe or tobiko)
🧠 Today’s Trickiest Clue
“Possesses a certain unnameable quality” – The answer “HASIT” can be confusing if you’re not familiar with the expression “He/She has it,” referring to charisma or a special spark.
📚 Mini Crossword Vocabulary Spotlight
- Hop Water: A fizzy, alcohol-free drink infused with hops. It gives you the bitterness and aroma of beer without the booze. It’s popular among people who want a beer-like experience without alcohol.
- Otter Mascot: CSU Monterey Bay’s mascot is “Monte Rey Otter.” It’s a nod to the marine wildlife native to the California coast.
📌 Related Puzzle Searches:
If you found this blog post helpful, you might also be searching for:
- “Houston MLB player NYT crossword clue”
- “Non-alcoholic drink like beer NYT”
- “Percy Thomas the Tank Engine clue”
- “Mini crossword August 5 2025 answers”
🕹️ Final Thoughts
The NYT Mini Crossword is the perfect bite-sized challenge for your brain every day. Whether you’re solving over coffee or on your commute, it’s a fun way to expand your vocabulary and sharpen your logic skills. Check back daily for more Mini Crossword hints and solutions!
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