Another morning, another NYT Mini Crossword challenge! Whether you’re a daily solver or just jumping in between errands, today’s Mini delivered a bite-sized brain teaser that was short, smart, and satisfying.
If you’re still scratching your head on a few clues or want to check how you did, I’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a full breakdown of clues, hints, and solutions for today’s puzzle (Saturday, July 5). But beware — spoilers ahead!
What is the NYT Mini Crossword?
For those unfamiliar, the Mini Crossword is the quick-play sibling of the full-sized New York Times Crossword. Designed to be solved in a minute or two, it’s perfect for puzzle fans who want a daily mental boost without committing to a full half-hour of wordplay.
The Mini is free to play online or in the NYT Games app. It typically features a 5×5 grid (sometimes slightly larger) and includes both Across and Down clues. Simple, elegant, and often clever, it has a loyal fan base who tackle it first thing in the morning.
Also read: NYT Connections Hints and Answers for Saturday, July 5
Today’s Puzzle: Saturday, July 5th, 2025
Here’s a sneak peek using the first letter of each Across answer to give you a soft hint:
- 1A: S
- 6A: A
- 7A: W
- 9A: H
- 10A: L
- 11A: Y
- 13A: S
- 14A: S
Stuck yet? Let’s break it all down clue by clue.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for July, 5
Across Clues & Answers
1A. Blasts with unwanted messages – SPAMS
A common internet woe — unwanted emails or texts — this clue is simple and modern.
6A. Orderly assortment – ARRAY
An array can describe both an impressive display and a mathematical data structure. Either way, neat and tidy.
7A. Its state mammal is the bison, and its state sport is rodeo – WYOMING
A fun trivia clue for fans of U.S. geography. Wyoming’s strong cowboy culture made this one easier to guess.
9A. “Let me think …” – HMM
A great example of how the Mini uses conversational language to keep things fresh.
10A. Hawaii’s Mauna ___ – LOA
Mauna Loa is one of the world’s largest volcanoes — a common crossword entry with geographical flair.
11A. Shanghai-born N.B.A. Hall-of-Famer who stood at 7’6″ – YAO MING
A basketball legend and a gentle challenge for casual sports fans.
13A. Emotionless, as a gaze – STONY
Perfect adjective clue — evokes an image and tone with precision.
14A. Another name for an earthquake – SEISM
Derived from “seismic,” this scientific-sounding answer might have tripped up a few solvers.
Related:
Down Clues & Answers
1D. Lead a Catholic ceremony – SAY MASS
Religious-themed clues are rare but welcome for variety. A more traditional entry today.
2D. Hype up – PROMOTE
A dynamic verb used in business, media, and marketing.
3D. Place for Popeye’s anchor tattoo – ARM
A fun cultural reference with a short, snappy answer.
4D. Ballots cast from home – MAIL INS
Topical and relevant, especially after recent years of mail-in voting debates.
5D. Thesaurus listing – SYNONYM
Straightforward and educational — a classic word nerd clue.
7D. Alphabetically last of the “five W’s” – WHY
Who, What, When, Where, and — of course — Why. A clever meta-clue.
8D. Silly joke – GAG
Whether you’re into dad jokes or vaudeville, this one’s for you.
12D. “Excusez-___!” – MOI
A bit of French flair, often seen in cartoons or when someone pretends to be shocked.
Also read: NYT Strands Hints and Answer for Saturday, July 5, 2025
Final Thoughts
Today’s Mini crossword felt like a balanced workout — part trivia, part logic, part language. The clue variety kept things interesting: we got a dose of sports with YAO MING, geography with WYOMING, pop culture with ARM, and some solid vocabulary with SEISM and SYNONYM.
My personal favorite clue was 7D: “Alphabetically last of the five W’s” – it’s the kind of meta-puzzle clue that rewards close readers and lateral thinkers.
How did you do on today’s Mini? Did anything trip you up? I’d love to hear your thoughts or see your solving times — feel free to share them on X (formerly Twitter), Threads, or Instagram.
And if you’re into more puzzle goodness, I also cover Wordle, Strands, Connections, and other NYT Games daily. Whether you’re a wordsmith or a casual gamer, there’s always something new to solve.
