Thursday, July 23, 2026 · Your daily stash of puzzle hints. Answers stay hidden until you ask for them.

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NYT Mini Crossword · Answers

NYT Mini Crossword answers for Thursday, July 23, 2026

5x5 grid · Show any single answer, or the full grid at the bottom

A Thursday 5x5 by Tracy Bennett: BANJO opens the Across clues and BASH runs down the first column. Tap a clue to show just that answer.

Across

1. Instrument in the bluegrass classic "Foggy Mountain Breakdown"
BANJO
6. Smart ___ (wise guy)
ALECK
7. Compete in a contest that's lost by blinking
STARE
8. Strongly disliked
HATED
9. One of eight on a chessboard, or five in a Mini crossword
ROW

Down

1. Criticize harshly
BASH
2. Where wedding rings are exchanged
ALTAR
3. "Cool beans!"
NEATO
4. Preppy clothing brand
JCREW
5. Gave the green light
OKED

Full grid

Every answer, in grid order.

Across: BANJO · ALECK · STARE · HATED · ROW
Down: BASH · ALTAR · NEATO · JCREW · OKED

Next on the board

Spelling Bee →

Center letter F, two pangrams, 40 words to find.