New York Times Mini Crossword Features Playful “Reverse dunk?” Clue

August 27, 2025 - The New York Times Mini Crossword delighted solvers today with a tongue-in-cheek clue that had puzzlers reversing their expectations. The 5x5 grid’s 8-Across entry, clued as “Reverse dunk?,” prompted solvers to flip the letters of the word “dunk,” yielding the unconventional fill KNUD.

The puzzle, edited by Sam Ezersky, leaned into midweek misdirection by including several reversal-themed entries alongside the “Reverse dunk?” clue. Across entries such as “Flip phone?” (ENOHP) and “Ass-backwards?” (SSA) similarly relied on letter reversals, creating a cohesive theme that both challenged and amused enthusiasts.

Despite its compact size, the Mini Crossword continues to entertain a broad audience with its clever wordplay. Early solvers reported completion times averaging under three minutes, a testament to both the puzzle’s approachability and its subtle twists. Today’s playful midweek offering serves as a reminder that even familiar words can surprise when viewed from a fresh angle.