The New York Times Mini Crossword doesn’t always demand your full brainpower, but it’s designed to give you just enough resistance to feel satisfying. Today’s puzzle from May 20 falls into that sweet spot where most clues feel accessible, though one or two might make you pause mid-sip of your coffee.
If you’ve already tackled the grid and just want to check your work, or if you’re stuck and need a quick push in the right direction, we’ve got you covered. Let’s walk through all five clues and their answers.
The Across Clues
1A: “Ross Edgley’s 1,700+-mile journey around Great Britain, for example”
Answer: SWIM
This one hinges on knowing that British swimmer Ross Edgley completed an epic 1,700-plus-mile circumnavigation of Great Britain entirely by sea. It’s a solid reference that works perfectly for a crossword clue because it’s specific enough to be interesting but not so obscure that a quick mental search leaves you blank.
6A: “Someone who assumes the worst intentions in everything”
Answer: CYNIC
A straightforward definition clue, and one of those reliable fill-words that crosswords lean on. If someone’s always seeing the glass as half-empty and suspects ulterior motives everywhere, they’re a cynic. Simple, direct, no tricks.
The Down Clues
1D: “Former competitor of Google Hangouts”
Answer: SKYPE
This is where Technology history intersects with your puzzle. Skype was a major player in video calling and messaging long before Google launched Hangouts and eventually moved toward Meet. The clue works because both services competed for the same digital communication space, even if the timeline has shifted considerably since then.
2D: “Signature products of Napa Valley”
Answer: WINES
Wine country, wine answer. Napa Valley’s reputation built itself on premium wine production, so this is as straightforward as crosswords get. No ambiguity, just solid geography and agriculture.
6D: “Something found on a Mac (that anagrams to MAC)”
Answer: CAM
Here’s where today’s puzzle shows a little cleverness. A CAM is indeed part of a Mac’s hardware (the camera), and yes, it literally anagrams to MAC. This is the kind of clue that makes you feel smart once you get it, even though the wordplay is relatively gentle.
Worth Your Time Today?
Most solvers will breeze through this one. The difficulty sits right at that Goldilocks zone where the puzzle doesn’t frustrate but doesn’t bore either. Six-Down might cause a momentary hesitation if you’re not thinking about the anagram angle, but once it clicks, it’s satisfying rather than tricky.
If you’re hunting for more NYT puzzle content today, the Times also has fresh Wordle, Strands, and Connections puzzles ready for you. Each offers a different flavor of brain engagement, so there’s something for every puzzle mood.
The real question isn’t whether you’ll solve today’s Mini Crossword, but how quickly you’ll forget about it before moving on to the next one.
