Are you in search of the latest solution to The New York Times’ Mini Crossword puzzle? If so, you can easily find comprehensive guidance right here. By clicking through, you will gain access not only to today’s exclusive hints for the Mini Crossword but also to a regularly updated collection of daily answers, interpretations, and clues for a range of other popular New York Times word puzzles, including Wordle, Strands, Connections, and its special spin-off, Connections: Sports Edition. Each of these games presents its own unique linguistic and logical challenges, and these curated hints can significantly enhance your solving experience by offering subtle insight without immediately giving everything away.
If you find yourself stuck on today’s particular Mini Crossword, take comfort in knowing that this Saturday’s edition is intentionally longer and more intricate than those on other days. Several of its prompts are especially tricky, designed to test even experienced solvers. Personally, I found 10-Across to be unexpectedly challenging—it posed the kind of clever misdirection that makes these puzzles so satisfying when finally solved. Stay with us as we walk through the full answer key, carefully revealing each solution in context. And for readers who wish to sharpen their regular puzzle-solving abilities, don’t miss the detailed set of Mini Crossword tips we’ve compiled; it provides structured advice on interpreting clues, managing time, and developing effective strategies for tackling daily crosswords.
For those who are following additional NYT word-based games beyond the Mini Crossword, such as Wordle, Connections, the sports-themed Connections edition, and Strands, all of their corresponding answers and help materials are conveniently located on CNET’s dedicated New York Times puzzle hints page. This single hub serves as a reliable resource for anyone who enjoys testing their vocabulary, reasoning skills, and pattern recognition across multiple puzzle formats.
To expand your proficiency even further, you can also explore supplementary reading materials such as our feature on “Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword.” This article delves into expert techniques for faster deduction, advanced clue analysis, and building a consistent solving routine that keeps your cognitive abilities sharp.
Now, with all the introductory details covered, let’s turn our attention to the actual February 21, 2026 edition of The New York Times Mini Crossword. Below, you’ll find the completed grid as seen in the NYT puzzle interface, accompanied by screenshots courtesy of CNET for verification and visual clarity.
Here are the Mini Crossword’s across clues and their corresponding answers:
1A: The clue “Jersey Shore” channel refers to a well-known American network—Answer: MTV.
4A: The advertisement slogan “___ Knows,” which depends on rhyme recognition—Answer: LOWES.
6A: Identifying the second-best-selling female musician of all time, just behind Taylor Swift—Answer: MADONNA.
8A: A grain traditionally used in whiskey production—Answer: RYE.
9A: A shortened form of a dreaded workday—Answer: MON.
10A: A term describing a self-inflicted embarrassment or backfiring mistake in digital slang—Answer: SELFOWN.
12A: A detailed sheet often accompanying complex board games to explain play mechanics—Answer: RULES.
13A: A gesture representing a subtle affirmation or an understated “Yes”—Answer: NOD.
And now, the down clues with their respective answers:
1D: Refers to an academic setting where students simulate international diplomacy—Answer: MODELUN.
2D: Simply directs attention to the clue’s own numbering—Answer: TWO.
3D: Indicates a modern payment method conducted through a mobile application—Answer: VENMOED.
4D: A single coat or layer of paint applied to a surface—Answer: LAYER.
5D: Describes a form of precipitation characteristic of winter months—Answer: SNOWS.
6D: A marital title used for a woman—Answer: MRS.
7D: A geographical reference to a Michigan city—Answer: ANN.
11D: Refers to the well-known character from the Progressive insurance advertisements—Answer: FLO.
Together, these clues and their answers compose the entire Mini Crossword for February 21, 2026, illustrating the puzzle’s creativity and thematic balance. Whether you use this guide to confirm your solutions or to gain insight into crossword logic for future challenges, each solved puzzle serves as an enjoyable exercise in language, reasoning, and quick thinking.
Sourse: https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/todays-nyt-mini-crossword-answers-for-saturday-feb-21/
