Struggling with the NYT Mini Crossword for July 22, 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.
Need a little help? Simply scroll through the list and tap the clue you’re having trouble with. We’ll give you a helpful hint for that specific one—no spoilers for the rest! Your progress is saved automatically, so you can pick up right where you left off anytime.
1A Get ready for a vacation NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Vacation (noun)
- Time taken off from work for rest or enjoyment
- The act of officially canceling something by law
Answer:
[spoiler]PACK[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Vacation (verb)
- To take time off for relaxation or travel
5A How you might feel after riding a roller coaster NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Riding (noun)
- The activity of sitting on a horse and directing its movements
- The act of traveling while seated on a horse
Answer:
[spoiler]DIZZY[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Roller (noun)
- A large ocean wave moving toward the coast
- A cylindrical tool used to curl hair by wrapping it around the tube
6A “All things being ___ …” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Being (noun)
- The condition or fact of existence
- A living creature capable of acting or functioning on its own
Answer:
[spoiler]EQUAL[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Things (noun)
- Movable belongings, especially items like clothing
7A Small donkey of the Southwest NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Southwest (noun)
- The region in the southwestern part of the United States, usually including New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, California, and sometimes Utah and Colorado
- The direction on the compass halfway between south and west, located at 225 degrees
Answer:
[spoiler]BURRO[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Southwest (adverb)
- In, toward, or heading to the southwest direction
8A Items shot from cannons at basketball games NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Basketball (noun)
- A sport played on a court by two teams of five players, where points are earned by shooting the ball through a raised hoop
- A pumped-up ball specifically used for playing the game of basketball
Answer:
[spoiler]TEES[/spoiler]
1D Spark, as curiosity NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Curiosity (noun)
- Something unusual — perhaps worthy of collecting
- A state in which you want to learn more about something
Answer:
[spoiler]PIQUE[/spoiler]
2D Sky-blue hue NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Sky-blue (noun)
- A pale or light tint of blue
Answer:
[spoiler]AZURE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Sky-blue (adjective)
- A rich bluish color with a hint of purple, resembling the hue of a clear sky in October
3D Government policy leaders NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Policy (noun)
- A documented agreement or certificate for insurance coverage
- A principle or plan that explains or justifies a government’s actions
Answer:
[spoiler]CZARS[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Government (noun)
- The act of ruling or managing public affairs with authority
- The system or group in charge of administering a political area
4D ___ Ren, villain in the “Star Wars” universe NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Villain (noun)
- A deliberately harmful or immoral person
- The main antagonist in a movie or piece of fiction
Answer:
[spoiler]KYLO[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Universe (noun)
- All that is considered or referenced within a specific context
- In statistics, the complete set of elements from which data samples are taken
5D What an i.o.u. represents NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: (noun)
- A responsibility to repay or fulfill something
- Money, goods, or services that one party owes to another
Answer:
[spoiler]DEBT[/spoiler]
