NYT Mini Crossword & Connections Answers for July 21, 2025: Get Your Daily Puzzle Fix!

[July 21, 2025 | Earthtechy Gaming News Desk]

If your morning routine isn’t complete without solving the NYT Mini Crossword, you’re not alone—I feel the same! This bite-sized brain teaser has become a daily ritual for many of us puzzle lovers. Whether you play over coffee or during a short break, cracking that 5×5 grid feels like a small win to start your day right.

So, if you’re here wondering what the answers were for Monday, July 21, 2025, or you just need help to get unstuck, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into today’s Mini Crossword puzzle, including all the clues and correct answers!

Also Read: NYT Mini Crossword Answers and Hints for Friday, July 18, 2025

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🧠 NYT Mini Crossword Answers for July 21, 2025

Let’s start with the Across clues and answers. I personally loved the mix of trivia and pop culture today—it even brought up memories of Monopoly and Hawaiian culture!

Across Clues & Answers:

• 1A. Ceremonial band — SASH
• 5A. First official state hand gesture, following a 2024 Hawaiian bill — SHAKA
• 6A. Deck with the Major and Minor Arcana — TAROT
• 7A. Just love — ADORE
• 8A. Boardwalk has the highest one on a Monopoly board — RENT

Not gonna lie, SHAKA was my favorite answer—it’s not only a cultural nod to Hawaii but also a fun bit of trivia that teaches you something new. (Yes, it’s now an official state hand gesture in Hawaii after a 2024 bill—how cool is that?)

Now, let’s move to the Down clues and answers—these were equally fun and threw in a mix of everyday references and fashion terms!

Down Clues & Answers:

• 1D. Cool place to be on a sunny day — SHADE
• 2D. Name that might come first during an alphabetical roll call — AARON
• 3D. Hybrid athletic garment — SKORT
• 4D. Just loathe — HATE
• 5D. One whose name is in lights — STAR

Today’s Mini Crossword felt balanced—some quick wins (like STAR and AARON), and a few trickier ones that made you pause (I’m looking at you, SKORT). If you struggled with any of these, don’t worry—you’re in good company. That’s what makes this game so satisfying, right?

Also Read: NYT Connections Answers for Wednesday, July 16, 2025 (Game #766)

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Why the NYT Mini Crossword is Still a Daily Favorite

Whether you’re a long-time fan or a casual solver, there’s something charming about how the NYT Mini Crossword packs challenge and fun into such a compact format. It’s free to play, resets daily at 10 p.m. ET, and makes for the perfect bite-sized brain workout. And unlike the full crossword, you don’t need to block out a full hour to feel accomplished—just five minutes and you’re done!

What I especially love is how each puzzle gives a tiny pop culture or educational surprise—like today’s nod to Hawaiian culture with SHAKA, or revisiting childhood game boards with RENT from Monopoly.

🧩 NYT Connections Answers for July 21, 2025 (#771)

Now let’s shift gears and talk about Connections, the NYT’s wildly addictive daily word game. If you haven’t tried it yet—trust me, you should. The challenge? You’re given 16 seemingly random words and must group them into four sets of four that share a common theme. Sounds easy, right? Not always. That’s where I come in.

Today’s puzzle was full of clever twists, including one category straight out of a classic sitcom. If you’ve already spent a good chunk of your morning shuffling and rearranging those 16 words (like I did), here’s your lifeline.

Also Read: NYT Mini Crossword Answers for July 13 & 14, 2025 – Clues, Solutions & Solving Tips

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🔍 Connections #771 – July 21: Hints and Categories

Before we dive into the full answers, here are the categories used in today’s puzzle. See if any of these nudge your memory:

• 🟨 Yellow (Easy): Additional perk
• 🟩 Green (Medium): Phase transitions for liquids
• 🔵 Blue (Harder): Concepts from Seinfeld
• 🟣 Purple (Tricky): What an apostrophe ( ’ ) can indicate

These categories are honestly what made today’s Connections extra fun. The mix of science, grammar, and pop culture made me feel like I was jumping between school, a grammar quiz, and a rerun of Seinfeld. Now let’s break down the final answers.

Also Read: NYT Mini Crossword Answers and Hints for Saturday, July 19, 2025: Cute Creatures & Mythical Beasts Await!

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✅ Connections #771 Answers for July 21, 2025

🟨 Additional perk:

• BONUS, EXTRA, GRAVY, ICING
  (All those little things that make life sweeter!)

🟩 Phase transitions for liquids:

• CONDENSATION, FREEZING, MELTING, VAPORIZATION
  (Science class flashbacks, anyone?)

🔵 Concepts from Seinfeld:

• FESTIVUS, REGIFTING, SHRINKAGE, YADA YADA
  (If you’re a fan, you probably got this in one go. If not… now’s the time to binge-watch.)

🟣 What ’ can indicate:

• CONTRACTION, FOOT, POSSESSIVE, QUOTE
  (Yep, the mighty apostrophe wears many hats!

Also Read: NYT Mini Crossword & Connections Answers for July 20, 2025: Your Ultimate Puzzle Guide

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🎯 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a seasoned puzzle pro or just beginning your NYT word game journey, solving both the Mini Crossword and Connections every day is one of the best ways to wake up your brain. I love how each puzzle not only challenges your logic but teaches you something new—or makes you laugh with clever themes like today’s Seinfeld reference.

If you didn’t get all the answers today, don’t sweat it. Tomorrow brings a fresh challenge, and I’ll be right here with your daily guide to crack it with confidence.

And hey—if you’re also playing Wordle, Strands, or even Connections: Sports Edition, don’t forget to check back daily on Earthtechy for more hints, answers, and strategy tips to stay ahead of the game!