NYT Mini Crossword, July 18: Clues, hints, and full answers to decode today's puzzle
NYT Mini Crossword
has maintained its position as one of the most engaging challenges in The New York Times' suite of puzzles. On Friday, July 18, 2025, the mini version of the iconic crossword once again tested readers' vocabulary and lateral thinking skills.
For many, this bite-sized puzzle is part of a daily ritual that also includes Wordle, Connections, and Strands. But unlike its larger cousin, 'The Crossword,' which is available only to paid subscribers, The Mini offers free access and a daily 5x5 grid that resets at 12:30 pm ET.
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The Charm of the NYT Mini Crossword
Unlike traditional crossword formats that may span over 15x15 squares, the NYT Mini crossword keeps things brief and challenging. With compact clues and just enough complexity to stimulate the brain, it appeals to solvers who crave a linguistic puzzle but may not have the time to commit to longer grids.
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The puzzle usually includes contemporary pop culture references, historical trivia, and wordplay elements. The Friday edition, however, is typically seen as slightly more difficult due to the weekend approaching, and July 18 was no exception.
Hints for July 18 NYT Mini Crossword
To assist players without spoiling the game outright, here are the NYT Mini crossword hints for both Across and Down entries. These clues serve as nudges to jog memory and logic without revealing the actual answers, as mentioned in a report by Parade magazine.
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Across Clues
1 Across: A fitting word that can precede 7-/8-Across and 3-/10-Down — Ends with 'F'
5 Across: Remy's sibling in Pixar's "Ratatouille" — Starts with 'E'
7 Across: U.S. state abbreviation for Missouri — Begins with 'M'
8 Across: A setting on a light switch — Ends in 'N'
9 Across: Carried out for humor — Ends in 'N'
11 Across: Actor Richard from
Pretty Woman
— Ends with 'E'
Down Clues
1 Down: Prefix that implies 'half' — Ends with 'I'
2 Down: In the thick of it — Starts with 'A'
3 Down: Super Bowl noted for a historic comeback win by New England Patriots — Starts with 'L'
4 Down: A baker's dry white staple — Ends in 'R'
6 Down: Feminine suffix, now considered dated — Ends with 'E'
10 Down: The chemical symbol for iron — Ends in 'E'
Full Solutions for NYT Mini Crossword, July 18, 2025
Readers seeking confirmation after taking a shot at the puzzle can now find the official set of answers listed below. Caution is advised for those wishing to solve independently.
Across Answers
1 Across: HALF
5 Across: EMILE
7 Across: MO
8 Across: ON
9 Across: INFUN
11 Across: GERE
Down Answers
1 Down: HEMI
2 Down: AMONG
3 Down: LI
4 Down: FLOUR
6 Down: ENNE
10 Down: FE
Each solution offers insight into the puzzle's structure and thematic consistency. 'HALF,' the opening clue, cleverly sets the tone, connecting directly with other entries like 'HEMI' and 'FE.' Movie fans may have found 'EMILE' and 'GERE' easier to guess, while trivia buffs would appreciate the inclusion of 'LI' as a nod to a famous Super Bowl moment.
Playing Smart: Tips to Solve the Mini
For newcomers or those seeking to sharpen their crossword-solving skills, consider the following tips:
Scan quickly:
Fill in short or obvious answers first to build momentum.
Use pop culture wisely:
Names from movies or TV often show up—trust your memory.
Don't ignore prefixes and suffixes:
Clues like 'Prefix that means…' usually lead to common word fragments.
Take a break and return:
The mini format lets you step away and try fresh later if stuck.
FAQs
What is the NYT Mini Crossword?
The
New York Times Mini Crossword
is a compact, daily crossword puzzle featuring a 5x5 grid. Unlike the full-sized crossword, the Mini is free to play and typically takes just a few minutes to complete.
What makes the Mini Crossword different from the regular NYT Crossword?
The Mini is smaller (5x5 grid), quicker to solve, and accessible to non-subscribers. The regular NYT Crossword spans a 15x15 grid or larger and requires a paid subscription.
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