Struggling with the NYT Mini Crossword for July 9, 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 hint? Just scroll through the list and tap the clue you’re having trouble with. Only that specific answer will be revealed, so the rest of your puzzle stays spoiler-free.
1A Subsides like the tide NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Like (verb)
- To choose or want to do something
- To have a particular feeling toward something; to view, judge, or think about in a certain way
Answer:
[spoiler]EBBS[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Like (adjective)
- Similar in appearance or nature; sharing some or all qualities—often used together with other words
- Exactly matching or corresponding in every way
5A Leggings lead-in to “lemon” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Lead-in (noun)
- The opening part of a story or broadcast
- A wire that links an antenna to a receiver or connects a transmitter to a transmission line
Answer:
[spoiler]LULU[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Lemon (noun)
- A bright yellow shade
- An item (often a car) that turns out to be faulty or disappointing
6A Poet Robert with a “cool” last name NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Robert (noun)
- An American expert on parliamentary procedure and the author of Robert’s Rules of Order (1837–1923)
Answer:
[spoiler]FROST[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Poet (noun)
- Someone who writes poems, typically referring to those who produce quality or notable poetry
8A Manhattan neighborhood near the East Village NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Village (noun)
- A primarily residential area in Manhattan, famously known as “the Village,” which became a cultural hub for writers and artists in the 20th century
- A small community of people, typically smaller than a town
Answer:
[spoiler]NOHO[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Manhattan (noun)
- A cocktail made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and a dash of bitters
- One of the five boroughs that make up New York City
9A Quick joyride NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Joyride (verb)
- To drive or ride in a car aimlessly, purely for enjoyment
Answer:
[spoiler]SPIN[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Joyride (noun)
- A car ride taken only for fun or excitement
1D Fairylike figure of folklore NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Figure (noun)
- A single element used in a numbering system
- An illustration or diagram that helps explain or accompany written content
Answer:
[spoiler]ELF[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Figure (verb)
- To consider something likely or assume it to be true
- To be involved in or contribute to something
2D Poet Robert with a “hot” last name NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Robert (noun)
- An American authority on parliamentary procedure and the author of Robert’s Rules of Order (1876), who lived from 1837 to 1923
Answer:
[spoiler]BURNS[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Poet (noun)
- A person who writes poems, typically used to describe someone known for producing quality poetry
3D Weakly hit fly ball NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Weakly (adjective)
- Lacking physical strength, energy, or vitality
Answer:
[spoiler]BLOOP[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Ball (noun)
- A grand dance or formal gathering that typically requires elegant clothing
- A famous American comedienne, best known for starring in a popular TV show (1911–1989)
4D Food made using a bamboo mat known as a “makisu” NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Using (noun)
- The act of taking advantage of someone in an unfair or exploitative way
Answer:
[spoiler]SUSHI[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Bamboo (noun)
- The tough, woody stems of bamboo plants, commonly used in building, crafting, and making fishing rods
- A type of tropical grass with hollow, woody stalks; mature canes are often used in construction and furniture making
7D Quite the heavy weight NYT Crossword Clue
Hint 1: Weight (noun)
- A measurement system used to quantify how heavy something is
- The level of significance or influence given to something
Answer:
[spoiler]TON[/spoiler]
Hint 2: Weight (verb)
- To burden or load something with physical weight
- To influence or skew something with a particular bias or emphasis