Struggling with the NYT Mini Crossword for July 26, 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 hand? Just browse the list and tap the clue you’re having trouble with. We’ll give you a helpful hint without revealing anything else. Your progress is saved automatically, so you can jump back in anytime.
1A De bugs? NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Anagram – Rearrange the letters below to solve today’s answer.
STSECIN
Answer:
[spoiler]INSECTS[/spoiler]
8A Make funnier, as jokes NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Make (verb)
- Put in order or tidy up
- Urinate
Answer:
[spoiler]PUNCHUP[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Make (noun)
- Random mixing of card
- Identifiable type or category
9A “Life is like a box of chocolates,” for example NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Life (noun)
- The experience of being alive; the progression of human events and actions
- The state or condition of being alive
Answer:
[spoiler]ANALOGY[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Example (noun)
- A typical form or model
- Something worthy of imitation
10A Dot on a domino NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Domino (noun)
- American rhythm and blues pianist, singer, and composer born in 1928
- A mask that covers the upper face with openings for the eyes
Answer:
[spoiler]PIP[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Dot (verb)
- Scatter or spread out like small spots or studs
- Distribute in a loose or scattered manner
11A In an upbeat mood NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Upbeat (noun)
- A happy, healthy, and prosperous state
- An unaccented musical beat, typically the last in a measure
Answer:
[spoiler]CHIPPER[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Upbeat (adjective)
- Cheerfully or overly optimistic
15A Important topic in sex education NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Education (noun)
- The U.S. federal department responsible for overseeing education programs and student aid, established in 1979
- The outcome of proper upbringing, particularly understanding appropriate social behavior
Answer:
[spoiler]CONSENT[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Topic (noun)
- The subject of a conversation or discussion
- A situation or event considered or reflected upon
16A Leaves the Union NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Union (noun)
- The healing process where the edges of a wound or broken bones grow back together
- The act of mating between a male and female for reproduction
Answer:
[spoiler]SECEDES[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Union (adjective)
- Related to the northern United States or those loyal to the Union during the American Civil War
- Pertaining to trade unions
1D Hoppy order at a happy hour NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Order (noun)
- The position, rank, or office of a Christian clergyman within a church hierarchy (often used in plural)
- A business document requesting the supply of goods or services with specified details and quantities
Answer:
[spoiler]IPA[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Order (verb)
- To assign a rating or rank
- To instruct or command someone to do something with authority
2D Convent member NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Convent (noun)
- A group of people in a religious order, especially nuns, living in a shared community
- A religious residence, particularly for nuns
Answer:
[spoiler]NUN[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Member (noun)
- A euphemism for the male sex organ
- An individual who belongs to and takes part in a group or organization
3D Tech company with a bright yellow color scheme and ghost logo NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Bright (adjective)
- Clear, sharp, and resonant
- Not dimmed or reduced in brightness
Answer:
[spoiler]SNAPINC[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Bright (adverb)
- In a bright manner
4D Sun block? NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Block (noun)
- An object or substance that clogs a pipe or tube
- An action that prevents or deflects someone’s movement
Answer:
[spoiler]ECLIPSE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Block (verb)
- To prevent the use or conversion of assets
- To stop something from occurring or progressing
5D Like many ingredients in a Cobb salad NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Like (verb)
- Prefer or desire to do something
- Have a feeling or opinion about; consider or evaluate
Answer:
[spoiler]CHOPPED[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Like (adjective)
- Similar or resembling; sharing some or all characteristics, often used in combinations
- Exactly matching or conforming in every way
6D Pull sharply NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Sharply (adverb)
- Changing quickly in direction or intensity
- Very suddenly and to a significant extent
Answer:
[spoiler]TUG[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Pull (verb)
- Remove feathers from something
- Carry out an action, often with a negative implication
7D One with a secret identity NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Identity (noun)
- An operator that does not alter the element it acts upon
- Complete sameness or equivalence
Answer:
[spoiler]SPY[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Secret (adjective)
- Not publicly disclosed
- Carried out with concealed intentions or methods
11D Syringe amts. NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Syringe (noun)
- A medical device used for injecting or extracting fluids
Answer:
[spoiler]CCS[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Syringe (verb)
- To spray or wash a body part using a syringe
12D Garden tool with a long handle NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Garden (noun)
- A piece of land used for growing plants
- A yard or lawn next to a house
Answer:
[spoiler]HOE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Garden (adjective)
- Ordinary or commonly known type
13D Opposite of WSW NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Wsw (noun)
- The compass direction between west and southwest
Answer:
[spoiler]ENE[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Opposite (adverb)
- Directly across from or facing each other
14D Certain football linemen: Abbr. NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Linemen (noun)
- Football players positioned on the line of scrimmage
Answer:
[spoiler]RTS[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Certain (adjective)
- Confident and without doubt or uncertainty
- Guaranteed to happen; inevitable or destined
