NYT Mini Crossword Answers for July 23, 2026
Updated
Tap a clue to reveal its answer. By Tracy Bennett.
No spoilers until you tap Reveal.
Hint: letter count and first letter of every answer
1A B____ · 6A A____ · 7A S____ · 8A H____ · 9A R__ · 1D B___ · 2D A____ · 3D N____ · 4D J____ · 5D O___
Across
1A: Instrument in the bluegrass classic "Foggy Mountain Breakdown"
BANJO · more answers for this clue
6A: Smart ___ (wise guy)
ALECK · more answers for this clue
7A: Compete in a contest that's lost by blinking
STARE · more answers for this clue
8A: Strongly disliked
HATED · more answers for this clue
9A: One of eight on a chessboard, or five in a Mini crossword
Down
1D: Criticize harshly
BASH · more answers for this clue
2D: Where wedding rings are exchanged
ALTAR · more answers for this clue
3D: "Cool beans!"
NEATO · more answers for this clue
4D: Preppy clothing brand
JCREW · more answers for this clue
5D: Gave the green light
OKED · more answers for this clue
Completed grid
Show the full grid
BANJO
ALECK
STARE
HATED
ROW
FAQ
1-Across: Instrument in the bluegrass classic "Foggy Mountain Breakdown"
BANJO.
6-Across: Smart ___ (wise guy)
ALECK.
7-Across: Compete in a contest that's lost by blinking
STARE.
8-Across: Strongly disliked
HATED.
9-Across: One of eight on a chessboard, or five in a Mini crossword
ROW.
1-Down: Criticize harshly
BASH.
2-Down: Where wedding rings are exchanged
ALTAR.
3-Down: "Cool beans!"
NEATO.
4-Down: Preppy clothing brand
JCREW.
5-Down: Gave the green light
OKED.