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The New York Times Mini crossword offers a quick challenge due to its smaller format, but today’s puzzle has some tricky clues that could snag even seasoned solvers. You might encounter references to specific actors or sports trivia that require more than just a good vocabulary. However, a bit of thought and strategy — plus a hint or two if needed — could help you out.
Unlike games like Wordle or Connections, the Mini crossword has no strict way to “lose,” so there’s no pressure to rush through it. From personal experience, as you tackle more NYT Minis, the urge to finish quickly can become quite strong. If you hit a wall with a clue, switching gears and working on the crossing words often yields better results.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Hints
July 10, 2025
Today’s NYT Mini has a number of proper nouns in the Down clues, so you might want to concentrate on the Across clues if you find yourself stuck. I switched back and forth between the two for a smoother experience, but if any clues are particularly troublesome, hints can be very beneficial.
Across Clues
- 1 Across – This one is self-referential
- 5 Across – A companion to egg and cheese in this context
- 6 Across – Two words, not a single one
- 7 Across – A refreshing flavor for many
- 8 Across – Consider this in terms of sports or romance
Down Clues
- 1 Down – A notable figure in organized crime
- 2 Down – Apps and some religious institutions possess these as well
- 3 Down – An alliterative surname for a Hollywood star
- 4 Down – Abbreviation for an American city or a daring archaeologist
- 5 Down – Descriptive slang for a failed joke
This particular puzzle is likely more accessible for those familiar with American culture, given several references that resonate within the United States. If you’re feeling stuck after considering these hints, you might prefer to skip ahead to the answers.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers
July 10, 2025
Spoilers for the NYT Mini crossword are coming up, so turn back if you want to tackle it all on your own. Otherwise, these answers and explanations can clarify any confusion you may have.
Across Clues
- 1 Across – MINI. Referring to the 5×5 crossword format used in the Mini, which remains consistent except on Saturdays.
- 2 Across – BACON. A staple in a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich, among other breakfast items.
- 3 Across – OF OLD. It may tempt you to try a single word here, but it’s actually two words combined.
- 4 Across – MINTY. While there are alternatives, mint is the most commonly used toothpaste flavor.
- 8 Across – BASE. Baseball has first, second, and third base, while the fourth (or zeroth) is known as home.
Down Clues
- 1 Down – MAFIA. A party game often called Mafia or Werewolf, involving social deduction.
- 2 Down – ICONS. Frequently used in a slang sense to denote someone who has made a significant impact.
- 3 Down – NOLTE. Referring to Nick Nolte, an American actor known for roles in films like Cape Fear and various television series.
- 4 Down – INDY. Commonly used to refer to Indiana, home to the Pacers basketball team.
- 5 Down – BOMB. A term often used to describe a joke that fails to entertain an audience.
While this wasn’t the toughest puzzle the New York Times has released, I found it slightly more challenging than usual, mainly because of the answer for 6 across. If this NYT Mini crossword gave you trouble, there’s always another chance tomorrow, and you might not need that knowledge of Nick Nolte to do better next time.
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