Are you searching for the freshest solution to today’s New York Times Mini Crossword? If so, you’re in the right place. Here, you can not only uncover the precise answer to the most recent puzzle but also access in-depth hints that will gently steer you toward the correct solutions without giving too much away. In addition, our daily coverage extends beyond the Mini Crossword itself — we provide continual updates, hints, and complete answer sets for other beloved NYT word games, including the universally popular Wordle, the creative and pattern-based Strands, and both editions of the increasingly intricate Connections series, including Connections: Sports Edition.
Struggling with a particular clue in today’s Mini Crossword? You’re not alone — even seasoned solvers encounter tricky moments. Personally, I found 4-Down to be particularly challenging; it momentarily slowed my progress until the intersecting answers provided just enough context to illuminate the correct word. That’s the beauty of The New York Times Mini Crossword — each compact puzzle offers the perfect balance between accessibility and intellectual stimulation. If you want to refine your solving approach and enhance your efficiency, take a look at our comprehensive Mini Crossword tips section, where we share tried-and-true strategies that can help you decode clues more intuitively.
For those who prefer to explore multiple puzzles each day, we’ve curated a convenient hub: CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page. There, you’ll find regularly updated guidance for Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition, and Strands — ensuring that no matter which puzzle captivates your attention, you always have accessible support to keep your momentum. Whether you’re a casual player seeking a quick mental boost or a devoted puzzle enthusiast intent on maintaining a perfect daily streak, our resources are tailored to accompany you through each challenge.
To deepen your puzzle-solving skills, we also recommend reading our article, “Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword,” which elaborates on effective techniques, time-saving insights, and common clue patterns. With these methods, even the most perplexing crossword clues will begin to reveal their secrets more readily.
Now, let’s move on to the main event — the complete set of today’s New York Times Mini Crossword clues and corresponding answers for February 22, 2026. Below, you’ll find both across and down entries, carefully organized to help you understand how the puzzle fits together.
Completed NYT Mini Crossword Puzzle for February 22, 2026
(NYT/Screenshot by CNET)
**Across Clues and Answers:**
1A – Clue: Soybeans or rice | **Answer: CROP** – These are examples of cultivated plants grown for harvest, typically forming the foundation of agricultural production worldwide.
5A – Clue: Bit of gossip | **Answer: RUMOR** – A piece of circulating, often unverified, information that spreads quickly through conversation.
7A – Clue: South American flatbread made of ground maize | **Answer: AREPA** – A staple food in several South American cuisines, particularly Venezuelan and Colombian, known for its versatility and comforting flavor.
8A – Clue: ___ 8 Ball | **Answer: MAGIC** – Referring to the well-known novelty toy used for answering questions with whimsical predictions.
9A – Clue: Something a pirate might make you walk | **Answer: PLANK** – A classic reference to the nautical punishment, often depicted in pirate lore, where captives were forced to walk off a wooden beam into the sea.
**Down Clues and Answers:**
1D – Clue: Sudden muscle tightness | **Answer: CRAMP** – An abrupt and often painful muscle contraction, commonly resulting from fatigue or dehydration.
2D – Clue: Like the areas beyond suburbia | **Answer: RURAL** – Describing regions characterized by open landscapes, low population density, and strong agricultural associations.
3D – Clue: Luxury Swiss watch brand | **Answer: OMEGA** – A prestigious name in the world of horology, renowned for precision craftsmanship and timeless design.
4D – Clue: Stop by unannounced | **Answer: POPIN** – A casual phrase meaning to visit briefly and without prior notice.
6D – Clue: Billiards triangle | **Answer: RACK** – The triangular frame used to position billiard balls neatly before play begins.
With that, you now have the full picture of today’s NYT Mini Crossword — complete with all clues and their respective solutions. Whether you solved it entirely on your own or sought clarification for a few stubborn entries, we hope this guide has helped you appreciate the puzzle’s clever construction and linguistic wit.
Sourse: https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/todays-nyt-mini-crossword-answers-for-sunday-feb-22/
