July 18, 2025
Welcome, crossword enthusiasts, to today's edition of the NYT Mini Crossword, dated July 18, 2025! As we settle into the heart of summer, today's puzzle promises to tease your brain with clues that are as hot as the season itself. Whether you're unwinding on a sunlit porch or cooling off indoors, this mini crossword is the perfect bite-sized challenge to add a dash of fun to your day.
Feeling stuck on a particularly tricky clue? Don't sweat it—we've all been there. Remember, crosswords are a game of mental agility and sometimes require a little extra help. For those moments, don't hesitate to use our crossword solver for that nudge in the right direction. And don't forget, solving mini crosswords is all about scanning for the most accessible clues first, filling in the blanks to help with the harder ones, and keeping an eye out for common crossword fill-words. Ready, set, solve!
Warning: NYT Mini Crossword Spoilers Ahead!
Ready to tackle today’s NYT Mini? We’ve got you covered with all the answers and clues. If you’re looking for a quick mental workout or just want to check your progress, you’re in the right place. But beware—spoilers lie ahead!
Today’s NYT Mini Answers & Clues are:
This is your last warning! If you click the buttons below, the answers will be revealed!
Across
Now that we've warmed up with the introduction, it's time to tackle the ACROSS section of today's NYT Mini Crossword. Remember, these hints guide you towards answers that you'll fill in from left to right across your grid. Sharpen your pencils—or steady your fingers on the screen—and let's solve these clues together!
ACROSS Clues and Answers
1: Appropriate word that can precede 7-/8-Across and 3-/10-Down
5: Remy's brother in "Ratatouille"
7: Missouri's postal abbreviation
8: Light switch position
9: Done for laughs
11:
Down
Shift your perspective and prepare to dive into the DOWN clues section of today's NYT Mini Crossword. As you've horizontally woven your words with the ACROSS clues, these vertical hints will help you to intersect and fill in any gaps, ensuring a satisfying completion to your puzzle-solving adventure. Keep your wits about you as these clues offer another angle to piece together the full picture. Happy solving!
DOWN Clues and Answers
1: Prefix that means 1-Across
2: In the midst of
3: Super Bowl that featured a 28-3 comeback win by the Patriots
4:
6: Dated feminine suffix
10: Iron, on the periodic table
What is the NYT Mini Crossword?
The NYT Mini Crossword is a bite-sized version of the classic New York Times crossword puzzle. Designed for quick mental exercise, it typically features a 5×5 grid, making it much smaller and faster to solve than its standard counterpart. This makes it perfect for those looking for a brief challenge during a coffee break or as a way to start their day.
The clues in the Mini are generally simpler and more straightforward, focusing on common words and phrases. This accessibility makes it a hit with both seasoned crossword solvers and newcomers to the puzzle world. It’s a fun and engaging way to test your vocabulary, general knowledge, and problem-solving skills in just a few minutes.
Where Can You Play the NYT Mini Crossword?
You can play the NYT Mini Crossword on several platforms:
- The New York Times Website: The most direct way to play is on the official New York Times website. You can find it in the Games section, alongside other popular puzzles like the Spelling Bee and Wordle.
- The New York Times Games App: For mobile users, the NYT Games app (available for iOS and Android) provides a seamless and convenient way to access the Mini Crossword. The app often includes additional features, such as tracking your solving streaks and comparing your times with other players.
Whether you prefer playing on your computer or your mobile device, the NYT Mini Crossword is readily accessible, allowing you to enjoy a quick puzzle challenge anytime, anywhere.
Solving the NYT Mini: Tips and Tricks
The NYT Mini is a fantastic way to start your day or take a quick break. Here are a few tips to enhance your solving experience:
- Start with the Easy Clues: Look for the shortest words and the most straightforward clues to get a foothold.
- Use Cross-Checking: Once you fill in a few answers, use the intersecting letters to help solve other clues.
- Think Simple: The Mini often uses common words and phrases. Don’t overthink it!
- Look for Patterns: Sometimes, answers will have repeating letters or follow a theme.
- Embrace the Challenge: It’s okay to get stuck. That’s part of the fun! Take a break and come back with fresh eyes.
- Utilize Letter Patterns: If you have a few letters, try plugging them into online anagram solvers or word finders.
- Consider Common Prefixes and Suffixes: Words often begin or end with common elements like “re-“, “un-“, “-ing”, or “-ed”.
- Context is Key: Pay attention to the overall theme or general knowledge clues.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Guess: Sometimes, a well-placed guess can unlock multiple answers.
- Practice Regularly: The more you solve, the better you’ll get at recognizing common clues and patterns.
Enhanced Solving Techniques:
- Mental Thesaurus: Keep a mental list of synonyms and related words. This can help when you’re stuck on a clue.
- Common Word Lists: Familiarize yourself with common three- and four-letter words used in crosswords.
- Pop Culture and Trivia: The Mini often includes clues related to current events, movies, music, and general trivia. Keep up with pop culture!
- Use Online Resources: Websites and apps dedicated to crossword solving can provide hints and solutions.
Check Back Tomorrow For More Fun!
We hope you enjoyed today’s NYT Mini! Check back tomorrow for the latest answers and clues. Happy solving!
NYT Mini Crossword Clues & Answer History
July 2025
| Date | Puzzle # | Across Answers | Down Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-07-17 | 10289 | GYMS,LEAK,JOLLY,ABLE,MESS | GLOBE,YELLS,MALES,SKY,JAM |
| 2025-07-16 | 10288 | CCS,BELTS,ADORE,MANIA,REP | CEDAR,CLONE,STRIP,BAM,SEA |
| 2025-07-15 | 10287 | IFFY,GLUE,FLINT,LONG,YOGI | IGLOO,FLING,FUNGI,YET,FLY |
| 2025-07-14 | 10286 | INSTA,TOWEL,CRAMP,HMMPH,PEA | ITCH,NORM,SWAMP,TEMPE,ALPHA |
| 2025-07-13 | 10285 | APE,CRANE,ORDER,MAMMA,YAY | ARRAY,PADMA,ENEMY,COM,ERA |
| 2025-07-12 | 10284 | CUBA,LANES,SOMUCH,BLUESKY,AUDREY,BREAD,APRS | CAMERAS,UNUSED,BECKY,ASHY,LOUDER,SLURP,BABA |
| 2025-07-11 | 10283 | AIDS,CREAM,RABBI,EQUAL,SIGN | ACRES,IRAQI,DEBUG,SABAN,MIL |
| 2025-07-10 | 10282 | MINI,BACON,OFOLD,MINTY,BASE | MAFIA,ICONS,NOLTE,INDY,BOMB |
| 2025-07-09 | 10281 | EBBS,LULU,FROST,NOHO,SPIN | ELF,BURNS,BLOOP,SUSHI,TON |
| 2025-07-08 | 10280 | DECAY,ELOPE,BIBLE,TORUS,STASH | DEBTS,ELIOT,COBRA,APLUS,YEESH |
| 2025-07-07 | 10279 | JAVA,AXEL,MIXES,NEXT,GDAY | JAM,AXING,VEXED,ALEXA,STY |
| 2025-07-06 | 10278 | CHASM,HELLO,AEIOU,PLATT,SHH | CHAP,HEEL,ALIAS,SLOTH,MOUTH |
| 2025-07-05 | 10277 | SPAMS,ARRAY,WYOMING,HMM,LOA,YAOMING,STONY,SEISM | SAYMASS,PROMOTE,ARM,MAILINS,SYNONYM,WHY,GAG,MOI |
| 2025-07-04 | 10276 | SAM,SPACE,ZEBRA,APRIL,ADS | SABRA,ACRID,MEALS,SZA,PEP |
| 2025-07-03 | 10275 | SCOT,ELIO,TWINE,MONK,INKS | SEWON,CLINK,OINKS,TOE,TMI |
| 2025-07-02 | 10274 | SCRUB,PRUNE,EENIE,WATTS,MOE | SPEW,CREAM,RUNTO,UNITE,BEES |
| 2025-07-01 | 10273 | DOG,MEMORY,EVILER,TATTOO,ANT | DOLT,OREO,GYRO,META,EVAN,MITT |
June 2025
| Date | Puzzle # | Across Answers | Down Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-06-30 | 10272 | RING,EMIR,FINAL,NEPO,DREW | REF,IMIND,NINER,GRAPE,LOW |
| 2025-06-29 | 10271 | FATAL,BRINE,OMEGA,MOTIF,BROEY | FBOMB,ARMOR,TIETO,ANGIE,LEAFY |
| 2025-06-28 | 10270 | ARMS,TEAURN,CATTREE,ARRIVES,PIANIST,SIEVES,KNEE | ATARISK,RETRAIN,MATINEE,SURVIVE,REESE,NESTS,CAP |
| 2025-06-27 | 10269 | PALMS,OCEAN,SHELL,TORE,SOY | POSTS,ACHOO,LEERY,MALE,SNL |
| 2025-06-26 | 10268 | ACME,VROOM,AGAVE,POSER,ENTRY | ARGON,COAST,MOVER,EMERY,VAPE |
| 2025-06-25 | 10267 | WAWA,CELEB,ADLIB,STORE,HOWDY | WEDTO,ALLOW,WEIRD,ABBEY,CASH |
| 2025-06-24 | 10266 | LAMB,IDEAS,DODGE,SPIEL,TALL | LIDS,ADOPT,MEDIA,BAGEL,SELL |
| 2025-06-23 | 10265 | GDP,TAIL,TIMES,SEES,ADS | GAMES,DIES,PLS,TIED,TSA |
| 2025-06-22 | 10264 | NOAH,BINGE,OTTER,BRAND,OPTS | NITRO,ONTAP,AGENT,HERDS,BOB |
| 2025-06-21 | 10263 | JOYFUL,AROUSE,BIGRED,GAB,ANIMAL,FINALE,CASTLE | JAB,ORIGINS,YOGAMAT,FURBALL,USE,LED,AFC,NIA,LEE |
| 2025-06-20 | 10262 | ACLU,HIPHIP,ACROSS,HOORAY,ANNE | APRON,CHORE,LISA,UPSY,HAHA,ICON |
| 2025-06-19 | 10261 | NEWTV,ACHOO,SHIRT,HORSE,LOS | NASH,ECHO,WHIRL,TORSO,VOTES |
| 2025-06-18 | 10260 | SHOP,HOPE,BRAIN,RERUN,ADDME | SHRED,HOARD,OPIUM,PENNE,BRA |
This article is super helpful! I always get stuck on the clues, but now I feel more confident. Can’t wait to try these tips!
I love the NYT Mini Crossword! It’s such a fun way to start my day. Thanks for sharing these tips!
Yay! I never knew about the app. I’m going to download it right now and play during my coffee break!