Are you on the hunt for the most up-to-date solution to The New York Times Mini Crossword? If so, you’ve come to exactly the right place. Here, you’ll find a direct link to today’s collection of Mini Crossword clues and answers, along with helpful hints designed to gently guide you toward completing the puzzle on your own. In addition to the Mini Crossword, we also provide daily updates and strategic insights for the full suite of popular New York Times puzzles — including Wordle, Strands, Connections, and its special spin-off, Connections: Sports Edition. This means that whether you enjoy quick logic challenges, word pattern recognition, or the thrill of connecting hidden thematic links, you can rely on this page to fulfill all your puzzle-solving needs.
If today’s challenge happens to feel a bit tougher than usual, don’t worry — that’s perfectly normal. It’s Saturday, which traditionally signals a slightly more demanding and extended version of the Mini Crossword. For puzzle enthusiasts, that means a richer test of cleverness and vocabulary, stretching your lateral thinking skills. To help you progress smoothly, continue reading below for a complete breakdown of the day’s solutions. Additionally, for those seeking more holistic strategies, patterns, and techniques that can improve long-term solving ability, make sure to explore our carefully curated Mini Crossword tips section. There, you’ll uncover expert guidance to strengthen both your confidence and efficiency when approaching future grids.
Those who are simultaneously tracking other New York Times games — such as Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition, or Strands — can conveniently find their daily answer sets and hint collections through CNET’s dedicated NYT puzzle hints page. This centralized hub ensures that fans of all types of logic and word-based puzzles never need to search far for reliable updates and supportive explanations, keeping your daily puzzle ritual seamless and uninterrupted.
For readers interested in improving their technique, you may also wish to consult our feature article, “Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword.” It provides in-depth commentary on common clue structures, logical reasoning tactics, and effective ways to expand your solving vocabulary — resources that any dedicated puzzler can benefit from.
Now, with introductions and resources out of the way, let’s dive directly into the main event: the detailed list of today’s Mini Crossword clues and their corresponding verified answers for February 14, 2026. Below you’ll find a complete representation of the successfully completed NYT Mini Crossword grid, as seen in the official solution screenshot provided by CNET.
Mini Across Clues and Answers:
1A — The organization known for hosting the internationally recognized Slam Dunk Contest → Answer: NBA. This refers, of course, to the National Basketball Association, renowned for its annual All-Star festivities celebrating athletic performance.
4A — A threatening or villainous creature appearing in J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” → Answer: ORC. These beings populate Middle-earth as one of the central antagonistic races.
7A — A perfectly round or ball-like form → Answer: ORB, a term often used in both physical and symbolic descriptions of spheres.
8A — The Greek letter equivalent to the English “r” → Answer: RHO, pronounced like “row,” representing a standard element of the Greek alphabet.
9A — The iconic emblem featured prominently on Hawaii’s state license plates → Answer: RAINBOW, a symbol of color and natural beauty tied to the islands’ climate and culture.
11A — A periodical publication that provides schedules and entertainment programming information → Answer: TVGUIDE, the well-known media source for television listings and highlights.
12A — To demonstrate digital approval or emotional support in a text or social message → Answer: HEARTED, signifying the act of tapping the heart icon in digital communication platforms.
13A — Advances in rank, position, or standing within a set of rankings or categories → Answer: RISES, describing upward movement in status or scoring.
14A — A form of illumination technology, the first letter representing “light” in its acronym → Answer: LED, which stands for Light Emitting Diode, a modern, energy-efficient lighting solution.
Mini Down Clues and Answers:
1D — The direction in which the Australian continent gradually shifts each year — approximately three inches annually → Answer: NORTH, referring to Earth’s tectonic drift toward the equator.
2D — Demonstrating greater bravery or a stronger sense of courage → Answer: BRAVER, a simple yet motivational comparative term.
3D — The current governor of the U.S. state of Virginia, identified by surname Spanberger → Answer: ABIGAIL, her first name.
4D — Traveled around the entire globe or celestial body → Answer: ORBITED, conveying the idea of circular motion around a central mass.
5D — Refers to the “Colossus of ___,” one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World → Answer: RHODES, the island that once housed the monumental ancient statue.
6D — To be overwhelmed, bullied, or made fearful → Answer: COWED, suggesting subduing through intimidation.
10D — A medical professional who provides care and assistance within a hospital or clinical setting → Answer: NURSE, the essential caregiver forming the backbone of healthcare operations.
Together, these answers compose the entirety of the New York Times Mini Crossword for Saturday, February 14, 2026 — a small yet intellectually rewarding puzzle perfect for those looking to engage their minds with concise but challenging wordplay.
Sourse: https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/todays-nyt-mini-crossword-answers-for-saturday-feb-14/
