The NYT Mini Crossword for July 15, 2026 delivers a fast and engaging 5×5 puzzle that blends everyday language with Disney references, food terms, and classic wordplay. Each clue is paired with the correct answer and a simple explanation to help players solve the grid quickly.
Why the NYT Mini Crossword Is So Popular
Available daily through NYT Games, the Mini offers a quick brain workout that takes only a few minutes to complete. It tests vocabulary, general knowledge, and logic, making it a favorite for puzzle enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Today’s Mini Crossword – July 15, 2026
Across Clues and Answers
- 1 Across: ___ shrimp (classic oxymoron) — JUMBO
Jumbo shrimp is a well-known oxymoron combining contradictory terms. - 6 Across: Love, to a Frenchman — AMOUR
The French word for love is “amour.” - 7 Across: Tale from Aesop — FABLE
Aesop is famous for short moral stories called fables. - 8 Across: Friend, to a Spaniard — AMIGO
“Amigo” means friend in Spanish. - 9 Across: Provokes, with “up” — RILES
To rile up means to provoke or annoy.
Down Clues and Answers
- 1 Down: Disney villain between Gaston and Scar — JAFAR
Jafar is the iconic antagonist from Disney’s Aladdin. - 2 Down: The so-called “fifth taste” — UMAMI
Umami is a savory taste, often called the fifth taste after sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. - 3 Down: Gas brand that merged with Exxon — MOBIL
Mobil merged with Exxon to form ExxonMobil. - 4 Down: Stick out noticeably — BULGE
A bulge is a protrusion that stands out. - 5 Down: Milkshake mix-ins that might get stuck in your straw — OREOS
Oreo cookie pieces are a common milkshake add-in.
How to Play the NYT Mini
The puzzle is accessible daily on the NYT Games website and app. Players can track their solve times and revisit past puzzles with a subscription. Each day brings a fresh set of clues that challenge the mind in a matter of minutes.
Keep visiting NYT Games for your next crossword fix—tomorrow’s puzzle is already waiting.
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