Question That Looks Like Today's Date Crossword Clue

By: Five Letter Words | Last edited: May 01, 2025

Looking to solve the challenging Question that looks like today's date crossword clue featured in the May 01, 2025 New York Times Mini puzzle? We've identified the precise 4-letter answer for you. For a more interactive solving experience, we offer helpful features to assist you. You can reveal the solution gradually with our letter-by-letter tool, or explore our carefully crafted hints—including wordplay explanations, similar clues with the same answer, and detailed definitions to guide your thinking. We've also made navigating related clues from the same puzzle straightforward and convenient. Ready to master this clever date-related wordplay clue? Let's discover the solution together!

Crossword Answer:

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About This Clue

The May 1, 2025 New York Times Mini Crossword featured the clue "Question that looks like today's date" with the answer MAYI. This clever clue plays on the homophonic relationship between the polite question "May I?" and "May 1" (the date of the puzzle). The clue relies on the solver recognizing that when spoken aloud, "May I" sounds identical to "May 1," creating a delightful wordplay that connects language with the calendar date.

Context for "May I"

"May I" is a polite phrase used to request permission before doing something. It's commonly taught as part of basic etiquette and manners, especially to children. The phrase indicates respect for others by asking for consent rather than assuming it. In everyday situations, people use "May I" to request permission to borrow something, to enter a space, to interrupt a conversation, or to perform an action that might affect others. The phrase has deep roots in English language courtesy and formal communication. Beyond its everyday usage, "May I" is also the name of a classic children's game (sometimes called "Mother May I") where players must ask permission to take steps forward. In this game, a leader grants or denies requests from other players who ask, "May I take X steps forward?" This reinforces the phrase's connection to seeking permission. In this crossword context, the clue cleverly leverages the fact that when spoken aloud, "May I" sounds identical to "May 1," creating a homophonic pun that ties directly to the date of the puzzle's publication. This type of wordplay, where the answer sounds like something else, is a common and enjoyable feature of crossword puzzles.

NYT Mini Crossword Tips

When solving clues like "Question that looks like today's date" in the NYT Mini Crossword, be alert for wordplay and puns, especially when the clue references the current date. The NYT editors often incorporate timely references, and clues that mention "today" frequently connect to the actual publication date. Look for homophones (words that sound the same but are spelled differently) when you see clues about how things "sound" or "look like" something else. For this particular clue, consider what the date "May 1" might sound like when spoken aloud, and what phrases in English might match that sound. The constraint of the puzzle grid (in this case, a 4-letter answer) helps narrow down the possibilities. Remember that NYT Mini Crosswords often feature clever wordplay that requires thinking beyond the literal meaning of words. When you see reference to dates, holidays, or seasonal elements, consider how they might be rephrased or reinterpreted in a playful way.

Related Crossword Answers

More Clues & Answers For The New York Times Mini (May 1, 2025)

ACROSS

• 1. Question that looks like today's date
• 5. Marvel's "The Avengers," e.g.
• 6. Bring to mind
• 7. Like notebook paper
• 8. An Australian millipede holds the record for the most in the animal kingdom, at 1,306

DOWN

• 1. Marvel's "The Avengers," e.g.
• 2. Surrounded by
• 3. "That is not good!"
• 4. Like some coffee orders
• 5. Where to find ribosomes and mitochondria