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

[July 18, 2025 | Earthtechy Gaming News Desk]

If your brain felt like it needed a second cup of coffee this morning, you’re not alone. 🧠☕ The NYT Mini Crossword for July 18, 2025 is packed with layered clues that might leave even seasoned solvers scratching their heads (yes, I struggled with a couple too!). Whether you’re a daily player or just dipping your toes into The New York Times puzzle world, today’s Mini had just the right mix of pop culture, wordplay, and trivia.

Let’s dive into the hints and full answers—but don’t worry, I’ll give you spoiler-free clues first, in case you’re still solving!

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

🧩 What Is the NYT Mini Crossword?

In case you’re new here (welcome!), the NYT Mini Crossword is the bite-sized sibling of the classic New York Times Crossword. It’s a fast five-by-five grid that resets daily at 10 p.m. ET, and it’s perfect for your morning brain warm-up—or your late-night obsession, depending on when you play.

It’s free to play, quick to solve, but don’t let its size fool you—these clues can be deceptively tricky. And today’s puzzle? Let’s just say it made me pause and rethink what I thought I knew about postal abbreviations and Pixar characters.

🕵️‍♀️ Hints for NYT Mini Crossword – July 18, 2025 (No Spoilers Yet!)

Here are your gentle nudges if you’re stuck. I’ve grouped the hints for Across and Down so you can choose which direction to tackle first.

✍️ Across Clues – Hints

• 1A: Ends with “F”; can go in front of 3-/10-Down and 7-/8-Across.
• 5A: A rat… with heart. Think Pixar!
• 7A: Think US state mail abbreviation; starts with “M”.
• 8A: Basic electricity knowledge helps here—it’s either ON or the other one.
• 9A: Ends with “N”; phrase often used when something’s done for the laughs.
• 11A: This actor charmed Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman.

🔽 Down Clues – Hints

• 1D: Prefix meaning the same as 1A; ends in “I”.
• 2D: Starts with “A”; means “in the middle of.”
• 3D: Super Bowl where the Patriots made a historic comeback—starts with “L.”
• 4D: A baking essential—ends in “R”.
• 6D: Old-school feminine suffix; think dated naming.
• 10D: Chemical symbol for iron; ends in “E”.

✅ NYT Mini Crossword Answers – Friday, July 18, 2025

Alright, time for the big reveal! Here are today’s official NYT Mini Crossword answers, grouped neatly so you can compare with your guesses:

✍️ Across Answers

• 1A. FUN – The appropriate word that can precede 3-/10-Down and 7-/8-Across. (FUNFAIR, FUNNY, FUNON, FUNMT)
• 5A. EMILE – Remy’s kind-hearted brother in Ratatouille.
• 7A. MT – Abbreviation for Montana; used in mailing addresses.
• 8A. OFF – The opposite of ON.
• 9A. FORFUN – Phrase meaning “not serious”—doing it just for enjoyment.
• 11A. GERE – Richard Gere, the Hollywood star known for his role in Pretty Woman.

🔽 Down Answers

• 1D. FUNGI – Plural of fungus. Sneaky science clue!
• 2D. AMID – A more poetic version of “in the middle of.”
• 3D. LI – Roman numeral for 51, referencing Super Bowl LI.
• 4D. EGGWASH – A pastry must-have for golden crusts.
• 6D. ESS – Feminine suffix, like in “actress” or “princess.”
• 10D. FE – The chemical symbol for iron. Periodic table flashback, anyone?

🧠 Today’s Puzzle Breakdown – What Made It Tricky?

One word: FUN.

It wasn’t just part of one clue—it was central to the entire puzzle. It functioned as a prefix in multiple spots (FUNMT, FUNNY, FUNFAIR, etc.), making this mini a bit of a theme puzzle in disguise, which we usually don’t see in a 5×5. Props to the constructor!

Also, clues like 3D: Super Bowl number might throw you if you’re not familiar with Roman numerals (LI = 51), and 4D: Eggwash could easily be overlooked by non-bakers. And who remembered Remy’s brother’s name off the top of their head? (I’ll admit, I blanked for a second. Pixar, you got me.)

🧩 New to the NYT Mini? Here’s How to Play

The New York Times Mini Crossword is available daily on the NYT Games app or nytimes.com/crosswords. A new puzzle drops each evening at 10 p.m. ET, and it’s totally free to try—even without a full NYT subscription.

You just get one tiny grid, a handful of clues, and all the satisfaction of solving a puzzle in under five minutes. It’s perfect for coffee breaks, commutes, or a brain teaser before bed.

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

🗓️ Coming Up Tomorrow…

Be sure to check back for our July 19 Mini Crossword answers—especially if you’re building a winning streak. Whether you’re here to improve your wordplay or just can’t resist the daily challenge, Earthtechy has you covered every day with fresh, spoiler-free hints and full solutions.

Until tomorrow, happy puzzling! 🧩✨