Solving the daily NYT Mini Crossword is a favorite routine for many puzzle fans. Today’s Mini features clues about everyday items, delicious foods, holidays, and even a popular internet term.
While the main NYT Crossword requires a paid subscription, The Mini is free and hugely popular. Remember, The Mini updates every evening at 10 p.m. ET, unlike other daily games that reset at midnight.
If you are working on the Thursday, July 9 puzzle and need help, we’ve got you covered. Below, you will find the hints first, followed by the full answer key. Scroll carefully if you want to avoid spoilers!
Hints for Today’s NYT Mini Crossword (Thursday, July 9)
Use these extra clues if you want a gentle nudge in the right direction without spoiling the answers immediately.
Across Hints
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1 Across: Something to look for while circling the block — HINT: Ends with the letter “T”
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5 Across: Grow weary — HINT: Starts with the letter “T”
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6 Across: This clue number x 2 — HINT: Ends with the letter “N”
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7 Across: Rice-shaped pasta — HINT: Ends with the letter “O”
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8 Across: December 25th, for short — HINT: Starts with the letter “X”
Down Hints
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1 Down: Calm before the ___ — HINT: Starts with the letter “S”
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2 Down: Favorite food of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles — HINT: Starts with the letter “P”
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3 Down: Black-and-white cookies — HINT: Ends with the letter “S”
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4 Down: (This clue number x 2) + 2 — HINT: Starts with the letter “T”
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6 Down: Release personal information about, informally — HINT: Ends with the letter “X”
Answers for NYT Mini Crossword (Thursday, July 9, 2026)
Spoiler Warning: Stop reading here if you want to solve the puzzle on your own!
Across Answers
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1 Across: Something to look for while circling the block — SPOT
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5 Across: Grow weary — TIRE
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6 Across: This clue number x 2 — DOZEN
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7 Across: Rice-shaped pasta — ORZO
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8 Across: December 25th, for short — XMAS
Down Answers
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1 Down: Calm before the ___ — STORM
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2 Down: Favorite food of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles — PIZZA
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3 Down: Black-and-white cookies — OREOS
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4 Down: (This clue number x 2) + 2 — TEN
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6 Down: Release personal information about, informally — DOX
