Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Thursday, Oct. 16

Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.

Need some help with today’s Mini Crossword? The very first clue, 1-Across, puzzled me for a while, but I eventually got it. Read on for the answers. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.

If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.

Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword

Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.

The completed NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for Oct. 16, 2025.

NYT/Screenshot by CNETMini across clues and answers1A clue: Red or white, but not blue
Answer: WINE

5A clue: Island country whose culture inspired much of “Moana”
Answer: SAMOA

6A clue: Garlic ___ (pizzeria appetizer)
Answer: KNOTS

7A clue: Small coastal waterway
Answer: INLET

8A clue: Protective football gear
Answer: PADS

Mini down clues and answers1D clue: “___ bet?”
Answer: WANNA

2D clue: Remark after not getting a modern reference
Answer: IMOLD

3D clue: Movie studio’s feedback for a director
Answer: NOTES

4D clue: 3 o’clock, directionally
Answer: EAST

5D clue: Button pressed to escape a YouTube ad
Answer: SKIP