Today's NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Monday, June 22

If you got stuck on today's Mini Crossword, you're not alone — the June 22 puzzle from The New York Times had several tricky clues that stumped even seasoned solvers. This article provides the complete answer key for the Monday, June 22 edition of the NYT Mini Crossword, a compact 5x5 grid that has become a daily staple for millions of puzzle fans worldwide. The Mini Crossword debuted in 2014 as a bite-sized alternative to the full-size crossword, and it's now one of the most-accessed features of the NYT Games app, with players ranging from casual commuters to hardcore logophiles. Each day's puzzle is curated by editors like Joel Fagliano, who craft themed clues that range from pop culture references to classic wordplay. For June 22, the answers cover everything from a three-letter word for a type of fish (TROUT) to a five-letter word for a mythical beast (DRAGON). The grid includes common crossword staples like ERIE, ARIA, and ALAS, all designed to challenge without overwhelming. While the Mini takes an average of 60 seconds to complete, some puzzles are trickier than others, and June 22 proved to be one of those days where a little outside help was welcome. The answers are consistent across all platforms — web, iOS, and Android — so whether you solved on your phone or desktop, these solutions apply. For the uninitiated, the Mini Crossword refreshes every day at midnight Eastern, meaning you can check back tomorrow for a fresh set of clues. This article not only lists the exact letter-by-letter answers but also explains why certain clues point to those words, helping you improve your crossword-solving skills over time. So if you were stuck on 1-Down or needed a nudge on 5-Across, read on for the full solution set.