Like Mini crosswords ... and a phonetic description of this puzzle? nyt crossword clue

The clue "Like Mini crosswords ... and a phonetic description of this puzzle?" suggests that we are looking for a specific term relating to the nature of mini crosswords. ### Analyzing the Clue: 1. **Structure**: The phrase "Like Mini crosswords" implies that the answer is an adjective describing mini crosswords. The second part of the clue "and a phonetic description of this puzzle" suggests that the answer might also relate to how the word sounds. 2. **Possible Answer**: Given this analysis, a plausible answer is **"small"**. - **Explanation**: Mini crosswords, by definition, are smaller versions of traditional crosswords; therefore, they can be described as "small." - **Phonetic Description**: The term "small" can be phonetically described through sound and is fitting as a descriptive qualifier for crossword puzzles as they often involve compactness in terms of word fitting and layout. ### Tips for Solving Clues: - **Break Down the Clue**: Look for parts of the clue that can give you hints about the type of answer you're looking for (adjective, noun, etc.). - **Synonyms and Definitions**: Think about synonyms for keywords in the clue; for instance, "min" could lead to "small." - **Wordplay**: Listen to how words might sound or play on words, which can lead to a phonetic answer. - **Check Cross-letters**: If you've already filled in some letters from crossing clues, consider how those may influence your answer. ### Final Answer: - "SMALL" is indeed a fitting answer to this clue based on the analysis provided.