Skip to main content

10 out of 10 — NYT Mini Clue (October 20, 2025)

Word Tips points us toward perfection, and the Mini keeps that same upbeat tone by serving IDEAL. Apostrophes render as ' and quotation marks as ", keeping the HTML tidy and consistent.

3 Down

10 out of 10

IDEAL

The clue is basically saying “perfect,” and Word Tips reinforces that by listing synonyms like consummate and best possible. Let IDEAL carry you through that mid-grid cross traffic.

Crossing Helpers

  • 1-Across CLICK ensures every letter stays locked so IDEAL shines through.
  • 8-Across PEACE ensures every letter stays locked so IDEAL shines through.
  • 2-Down LYCEE ensures every letter stays locked so IDEAL shines through.
  • 4-Down CRACK ensures every letter stays locked so IDEAL shines through.

Strategy Notes

Meaning Hint

Word Tips describes IDEAL as the perfect score, matching the clue’s grading tone. Think of it as “best possible.”

Synonym Check

Perfect, flawless, and top-tier are close cousins. IDEAL slides into the five-letter slot cleanly.

Alternate Clue

Look out for prompts like "Best possible scenario" or "Perfect outcome." IDEAL hits both.

Solve Smart

Solidify the vowels from PEACE and CLICK, then let the L from LYCEE and the D from CRACK lock everything down.