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Gross! — NYT Mini Crossword Clue (October 19, 2025)

Word Tips pegs this clue as a visceral reaction. The Mini echoes that vibe with GAG, a short shock of disgust that fits the three-letter slot perfectly. All apostrophes display as ' and quotation marks as " so the typography stays crisp.

1 Across

Gross!

GAG

The clue delivers the exact reaction noise. Instead of going punny, the Mini keeps it literal: when something is gross, you gag. Word Tips's hints point to the cloth tied over a mouth, reminding solvers that gag doubles as a noun, but here the verb mirrors the clue's energy. The short entry also speeds the top row, letting you peek at every cross without hesitation.

Crossing Boosters

  • 1-Down GUTS gives you instant letter checks so GAG locks without second guesses.
  • 4-Across USEUP gives you instant letter checks so GAG locks without second guesses.
  • 2-Down ASAP gives you instant letter checks so GAG locks without second guesses.
  • 3-Down GENIE gives you instant letter checks so GAG locks without second guesses.

Speed Solving Notes

Meaning Hint

Word Tips calls out the first reaction to something revolting. If you can hear the clue in your head, you already have the answer.

Synonym Check

Resist defaulting to ICK or EWW. Those reactions are interjections, while GAG reads as a full verb, which matches the clue's imperative tone.

Alternate Clue

Think of future Minis with setups like "Choke on a joke" — the puzzle often recycles the same letters with fresh angles.

Solve Smart

Drop GAG right away so the G anchors connect to GUTS and GENIE. Keeping three letter answers fast ensures you do not get tripped up later.