Struggling with the NYT Mini Crossword for July 12, 2025? Our guide is here to help! The New York Times Mini Crossword is a bite-sized version of the classic daily puzzle—quick to solve but just as rewarding. Perfect for word enthusiasts who want a fun challenge without the time commitment of a full-sized crossword, it’s available both in print and online for solvers of all skill levels.
Stuck on a clue? Scroll through the list and tap the one that’s giving you trouble. We’ll reveal just that specific answer—so you can get the help you need without spoiling the rest of the puzzle. Your progress stays intact, and the challenge remains fun!
1A Havana’s home NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Havana (noun)
- The capital and largest city of Cuba, located in the western part of the country; one of the oldest cities in the Americas.
Answer:
Hint 2: Home (noun)
- In baseball, a rubber base where the batter stands and that must be touched by a runner to score.
- An institution that provides care for people.
5A Last word in many bowling alley names NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Bowling (noun)
- A game where balls are rolled toward objects with the goal of knocking them down or moving them.
- In cricket, the action of throwing the ball to the batsman.
Answer:
Hint 2: Names (noun)
- Insulting or abusive language used instead of a proper argument.
6A Lots and lots NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Lots (adverb)
- To a very high degree or extent.
Answer:
Hint 2: Lots (noun)
- A large quantity or number.
7A Left-leaning social media site NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Leaning (noun)
- A natural tendency or preference.
- The characteristic of a line or surface that tilts away from the vertical.
Answer:
Hint 2: Leaning (adjective)
- Tilting or slanting away from the exact vertical or horizontal position.
8A Hepburn of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Hepburn (noun)
- An American film actress known for her numerous roles alongside Spencer Tracy (1907–2003).
Answer:
Hint 2: Tiffany (noun)
- An American artist famous for creating Tiffany glass (1848–1933).
9A Word after “break” or “banana” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Banana (noun)
- A type of tropical or subtropical plant from the genus Musa, with large leaves and typically producing hanging clusters of long fruits.
- A long, curved yellow fruit with soft, sweet flesh.
Answer:
Hint 2: After (adverb)
- Occurring at a time later than a specified point.
10A Car loan figs. NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Car (noun)
- A four-wheeled motor vehicle, typically powered by an internal combustion engine.
- A suspended section of an airship that holds people, cargo, and equipment.
Answer:
Hint 2: Loan (noun)
- A term adopted from another language, such as “blitz” from German.
- A temporary lending of money, often with interest.
1D They always shoot their shot NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Always (adverb)
- At every moment; on all occasions.
- Continuously, without pause.
Answer:
Hint 2: Shoot (verb)
- To record something using a camera or film.
- To inject or force a fluid or gas into something by piercing it.
2D Brand-new NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Brand-new (adjective)
- Clearly or strikingly new.
Answer:
Hint 2: Brand (noun)
- A name assigned to a product or service.
- A mark of shame or dishonor.
3D Woman with “the good hair,” in a famous Beyoncé lyric NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Famous (adjective)
- Well-known and highly regarded.
Answer:
Hint 2: Woman (noun)
- A female adult human being.
- A female individual who performs household tasks.
4D In need of moisturizer NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Need (verb)
- To be in want of something.
- To consider something essential, appropriate, or beneficial.
Answer:
Hint 2: Need (noun)
- Something essential that is missing.
- A psychological drive that motivates behavior toward a specific goal or purpose.
5D “We can’t hear you back here!” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Hear (verb)
- To find out or become informed, often by chance.
- To listen actively and give attention.
Answer:
Hint 2: Back (noun)
- A part that provides support while sitting.
- The rear side or the part not usually visible.
6D Drink noisily NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Drink (verb)
- To offer a toast in celebration or honor.
- To be captivated by something; to give it full attention.
Answer:
Hint 2: Drink (noun)
- A liquid that can be consumed.
- The action of swallowing a liquid.
7D ___ ghanouj NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun)
- A small, yeast-leavened cake.
Answer:
