Here are the answers for the NYT Mini Crossword dated Friday, May 22, 2026. The year is inferred from matching dated answer pages; May 22, 2025 is a different puzzle. Spoilers below.
Across answers
- “___ Birds” (Hitchcock film): THE
- Loudly brag: CROW
- Stretch out one’s neck: CRANE
- Advocate of war: HAWK
- Test for fifth-year Hogwarts students: OWL
Down answers
- Fish using a large net: TRAWL
- Call from a Canada goose: HONK
- Female sheep: EWE
- Stick in one’s ___: CRAW
- Comedian Margaret: CHO
About the Hitchcock clue
The first Across answer, THE, completes the title The Birds. The clue is described as suggesting the puzzle’s theme, but the answer pages do not provide an official theme explanation.
Playing the May 22 puzzle later
The New York Times Help search result says Games and All Access subscribers can solve past Mini Crossword puzzles through an archive on the web and in the Games app. It also describes options to check or reveal a square, an answer, or the whole puzzle. The Help page could not be opened for direct review, so consult the current NYT Games help information for availability and details.
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