Puzzle fans who want a quick mental workout still do the New York Times Mini Crossword every day. The popular five-by-five grid gave people another fun task on Sunday, July 20, 2025. We have all the clues and answers for today, whether you want to beat your own best time or just need some help finishing the puzzle.
The NYT Mini Crossword is different from the bigger one since it is smaller. It's a great way for experienced solvers to get ready and for novice solvers to get started. A lot of gamers like the daily refresh since it lets them test their word skills in a short amount of time.
Today's Answers and Across Clues
Clues Across
I solved today's NYT Mini Crossword! The clue for "Ceremonial band" was smart. What was your best time today?
Today's Down Clues and Answers
Down Clues
The daily dosage of cognitive teasers is done! The NYT Mini Crossword is a great way to get your brain going quickly. Tell us what your favorite hint was today!
Figuring out the "Ceremonial Band" clue (and others!)
Figuring Out Hard Clues
Today's problem didn't have "Ceremonial band" as a clue (it was in the July 21 puzzle), but it's a classic example of a hint that can occasionally confuse those who are trying to solve it. For example, the answer to the July 21 problem was SASH, which came from the clue "Ceremonial band." To solve this kind of clue, you have to think about what a word might mean in several ways. A "band" might be a group of musicians, but it can also mean a strip of material. A "sash" is a piece of cloth that is worn for ceremonial purposes, which fits both parts of the clue.
Another style of hard hint that people sometimes use is one that uses short forms or acronyms, like "Orange-and-brown chip flavor, for short," which leads to BBQ. To solve puzzles faster, you need to know some frequent abbreviations.
Are you stuck on "Ceremonial band" in the NYT Mini? Don't worry; we have the answer and some tips to help you solve tomorrow's problem!
How to Get Good at the NYT Mini Crossword
General Ways to Solve
Here are some tips to help you do better on the Mini Crossword every day:
There is no other crossword puzzle that gives you the same sense of fulfillment as the NYT Mini Crossword. It's amazing how a few letters can make you so happy (and occasionally angry).
Why the NYT Mini Crossword is Fun Every Day
How to go to the Mini Crossword
Many people do the NYT Mini Crossword every day because they enjoy it so much. You can finish it quickly because it is little, so it is perfect for a coffee break or a short commute. It gives you a good mental workout without taking up as much time as a full-sized puzzle. You may play the Mini Crossword for free on the New York Times website and in the NYT Games app.
Because the puzzles are always good and easy to get to, the NYT Mini is a favorite element of many people's everyday lives. It gives you a short time to think clearly and the pleasure of solving a challenge.
The NYT Mini Crossword always keeps you on your toes, from "Ceremonial band" to "Winged horse." How do you usually solve things?