5 Down

NYT Mini • September 28, 2025

Midterms and finals

Answer:

EXAMS

Hint:

Think of the stressful assessments that often require late-night studying and cover material from an entire course. They’re usually scheduled at the end of a term.

Explanation:

"Midterms and finals" are common terms for tests students take during and at the end of a school term. The clue points directly to the word "exams," which is the standard term for these assessments. There’s no hidden wordplay—it’s a straightforward definition where the answer is simply the general category these tests fall under.

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General solving tip

Match the clue's grammar: plural with plural, past with past. If the clue ends in 's' or uses a past-tense verb, mirror that form in the entry.

More tips → General Hints