NYT Mini October 11, 2025: 7A - Freezing

Answer: ICY

3 letters

Clue Breakdown

Minis favor punchy adjectives for weather descriptions, and ICY surfaces again as a reliable go-to. The clue sticks to a literal definition—no wordplay—so it becomes a quick vocabulary fetch. When three-letter temperature words appear, mentally flip through ICE, COLD, RAW, and similar concise options.

Cross letters help differentiate ICY from FROSTY or ARCTIC, which would require more spaces. The Mini’s compact grid means the shortest synonym that matches the enumeration often wins.

Why ICY Works

Matches the three-letter slot provided by the grid.
Fits the straightforward definition without gimmicks.
Crosses with ASL, AIRPODS, and SOTS ensure no ambiguity.

Word Family Connections

ICY frequently pairs with related clue phrases like "slick road condition" or "cold stare" in daily puzzles. Expand your short-answer memory by linking ICY with synonyms such as GELID, POLAR, or GLACIAL for longer grids.

Solving Tips

Whenever a Mini clues weather in three letters, test ICY, HOT, and WET quickly.
Use surrounding answers to confirm the vowel—it shares intersections with both across and down neighbors.
Keep a shortlist of seasonal adjectives for rapid recall during timed solves.

← Back to October 11, 2025 Puzzle

NYT Mini October 11, 2025: 7A - Freezing

Answer: ICY

Clue Breakdown

Why ICY Works

Word Family Connections

Solving Tips

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