Cracking the Code: Your Unofficial Guide to the NYT Mini Crossword on July 20, 2026

Ah, the New York Times Mini Crossword. For many of us, it’s that delightful little daily brain tickler, a fleeting moment of mental gymnastics before the day truly kicks off, or perhaps a sweet, quick escape during a coffee break. It’s small, yes, but oh-so-satisfying when you nail every single square. And, let's be honest, sometimes it's downright infuriating when just one word eludes your grasp!

Today, July 20, 2026, presented its own unique set of linguistic challenges and triumphs. Maybe you sailed through it, feeling like a crossword wizard. Or perhaps, like many of us, you found yourself staring blankly at a couple of clues, wondering if you’d suddenly forgotten how English works. No judgment here – we’ve all been there! That's exactly why we're here to lend a hand, or rather, to offer up the solutions you're seeking.

Now, a quick heads-up: what follows are the full answers. If you’re still trying to work through it and just need a gentle nudge, maybe peek at only one or two, or try to glean a hint from the context. But if you're truly stumped, or just curious to check your work, consider this your no-stress, no-fuss reveal for today's puzzle. Ready? Let's dive in!

Across Clues & Answers:

1A: Sound of a baby's cry (3 Letters)
Ah, that distinct, often attention-grabbing sound. If you've ever been around an infant, this one probably came to mind pretty quickly. It's WAA. A classic, really.

2A: Central point (4 Letters)
Think of the very heart of something, the absolute nucleus. You might say it's the... CORE. This one felt pretty straightforward today.

3A: "Ready, ___, go!" (3 Letters)
A common phrase for starting races or activities. The middle word here is often just one quick syllable. You got it: SET.

4A: Opposite of 'off' (2 Letters)
When a light isn't off, what is it? Simple, yet effective for a Mini! The answer is ON.

5A: Feeling blue (3 Letters)
Not the color blue, but the emotion. When you're feeling down in the dumps, you're often described as this. It's SAD. A bit of an emotional punch for a mini crossword!

Down Clues & Answers:

1D: Ponder (4 Letters)
When you really think deeply about something, chewing it over in your mind, you might be doing this. It's MULL. A lovely, contemplative word.

2D: Tavern (3 Letters)
A classic spot for a drink, perhaps a cozy corner for a chat. Sometimes they have stools and a long counter. We're looking for BAR.

3D: "Sure, why ___?" (3 Letters)
This is a very common idiomatic phrase, indicating agreement or willingness to consider something. The missing word is NOT. Easy peasy!

4D: Golf peg (3 Letters)
Before you hit that little white ball, you often place it on this small wooden (or plastic) stand. Yes, it’s a TEE. Fore!

5D: What a computer needs to boot up (2 Letters)
This is a common abbreviation in the tech world. Without it, your machine is just a fancy paperweight. The answer is OS, short for Operating System.

And there you have it! The complete rundown for the NYT Mini Crossword from July 20, 2026. How did you fare today? Were there any clues that really tripped you up, or did you find it a breeze? That's the beauty of these daily puzzles, isn't it? Every day brings a new mental adventure. Until tomorrow's challenge, keep those brain cells buzzing!