Are you on the hunt for the latest solution to The New York Times Mini Crossword? If so, you have arrived at exactly the right place. Here, you can find not only clear and concise clues that will guide you toward today’s correct Mini Crossword answers but also detailed hints that can help refine your overall puzzle-solving strategy. In addition to the Mini Crossword, our resources extend to the full suite of popular New York Times word games, including daily guidance for Wordle, Strands, Connections, and its special variation, Connections: Sports Edition. Each of these games offers a fresh opportunity to test the limits of your vocabulary, reasoning, and lateral thinking skills every single day.

If today’s Mini Crossword has you momentarily stumped or uncertain about a particular clue, don’t worry—help is readily available. Simply continue reading for clear explanations and matching answers, each carefully verified to ensure accuracy. And for those who wish to develop a long-term approach to efficient crossword solving, our dedicated Mini Crossword tips section is an excellent place to begin. There, you’ll find useful insights on how to interpret tricky wording, spot patterns, and improve your solving speed without sacrificing comprehension.

For puzzle enthusiasts seeking assistance beyond the Mini Crossword, you can find the most up-to-date hints and full solutions for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition, and Strands puzzles by visiting CNET’s comprehensive New York Times puzzle hints page. This consolidated hub makes it easy to keep track of your daily puzzle progress across all formats—from guessing five-letter words to connecting complex associations.

If you’d like to enhance your problem-solving techniques further, take a look at our in-depth guide, which explores specialized tips and tricks for mastering The New York Times Mini Crossword. Whether you are a newcomer learning the fundamentals or an experienced solver fine-tuning your strategy, these detailed recommendations can help you identify subtle clue patterns, manage time effectively, and approach each new grid with confidence and curiosity.

Now, without further delay, below are the clues and verified solutions for the NYT Mini Crossword published on December 17, 2025. Each entry has been thoroughly checked, ensuring that you can confirm your answers or learn from any small missteps.

The completed Mini Crossword for December 17, 2025, is presented below (NYT/Screenshot by CNET).

**Across Clues and Answers:**
1A: The clue ‘Nod (off)’ corresponds to the answer **DOZE**, describing the short, light sleep one might drift into unintentionally.
5A: The clue ‘Naval submarine in W.W. II’ yields the answer **UBOAT**, referring to the German submarines that played a pivotal role during the Second World War.
7A: The phrase ‘Tricky thing to do on a busy highway’ is answered by **MERGE**, depicting the challenge of seamlessly joining fast-moving traffic.
8A: The clue ‘Heat-resistant glassware for cooking’ is aptly solved with **PYREX**, a brand name widely synonymous with durable glass baking and laboratory containers.
9A: Finally, ‘Put into groups’ leads to the word **SORT**, meaning to organize or classify items based on shared characteristics.

**Down Clues and Answers:**
1D: The clue ‘Break up with’ aligns with the answer **DUMP**, a colloquial expression for ending a romantic relationship.
2D: The phrase ‘Falls in line, so to speak’ provides **OBEYS** as the answer, indicating compliance or adherence to orders.
3D: The clue ‘Legendary vigilante who cuts a “Z” with his sword’ refers unmistakably to **ZORRO**, the masked hero known for defending the oppressed while leaving his iconic mark.
4D: The expression ‘Rarin’ to go’ connects to **EAGER**, portraying enthusiasm and readiness to begin.
6D: Lastly, ‘Common reminder for an upcoming appointment’ corresponds to **TEXT**, the modern method of receiving digital alerts to keep track of commitments.

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Sourse: https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/todays-nyt-mini-crossword-answers-for-wednesday-dec-17/#ftag=CAD590a51e