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Friday, February 27, 2026

XWordHint Crossword Answers February 27, 2026 | Expert Breakdown & Tips

Master today's NYT crossword with our expert hint system. We provide synonyms, antonyms, and strategic clues to help you solve without spoiling the fun. Perfect for crossword lovers who want that satisfying "aha!" moment.

Quick Navigation - Table of Contents

Today's Puzzle Difficulty: Medium

Pro Tip: Start with the fill-in-the-blank clues - they're usually the easiest entry points!

Across Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1A 1. Coinage of the early 2000s? 15
2A 16. Sierra Nevada product 15
3A 17. Jeans material for a worn-out look 15
4A 18. Email folder 6
5A 19. Bear up? 4
6A 20. Most important part 3
7A 21. "___-roh!" (cry from Astro on "The Jetsons") 3
8A 22. Jerk 3
9A 23. Bird that Zeus disguised himself as in a much-told Greek myth 4
10A 25. Traditional folk dance 4
11A 27. Pantheon feature 7
12A 29. Rita on "The Masked Singer" 3
13A 30. Challenge 4
14A 31. Car requirement beginning in 1998 6
15A 35. "___ regards ..." (letter sign-off) 7
16A 37. Raw, in a way 7
17A 38. Remove from office 6
18A 39. "It ___ easy" 4
19A 40. N.Y.P.D. rank: Abbr. 3
20A 41. Prepares, as coq au vin 7
21A 43. Chinese menu possessive 4
22A 44. Steps in diagnosing A.C.L. injuries, perhaps 4
23A 46. Carton amts. 3
24A 47. ___-de-sac 3
25A 48. Kung ___ chicken 3
26A 49. Concerning 4
27A 51. ___ the Great, king of ancient Persia 6
28A 54. Create a distraction, so to speak 15
29A 57. Heroine in the "Fifty Shades of Grey" books 15
30A 58. Midwest city dubbed the "Little Apple" 15

Across Clues - Strategic Hints

1A: "1. Coinage of the early 2000s?"

15 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SACAGAWEADOLLAR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2A: "16. Sierra Nevada product"

15 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMERICANPALEALE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3A: "17. Jeans material for a worn-out look"

15 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DISTRESSEDDENIM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4A: "18. Email folder"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a document ordering the payment of money; drawn by one person or bank on another
  • Similar words include: potation, drawing, outline
  • Opposite of: discharge
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DRAFTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5A: "19. Bear up?"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: URSA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6A: "20. Most important part"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated
  • Similar words include: key fruit, paint, identify
  • Opposite of: atonality
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KEY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7A: "21. "___-roh!" (cry from Astro on "The Jetsons")"

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8A: "22. Jerk"

3 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a local and habitual twitching especially in the face
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIC

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9A: "23. Bird that Zeus disguised himself as in a much-told Greek myth"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that stately heavy-bodied aquatic bird with very long neck and usually white plumage as adult
  • Similar words include: roll, roam, drift
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SWAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10A: "25. Traditional folk dance"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a roll of photographic film holding a series of frames to be projected by a movie projector
  • Similar words include: Scottish reel, lurch, spin around
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REEL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11A: "27. Pantheon feature"

7 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a building having a circular plan and a dome
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROTUNDA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12A: "29. Rita on "The Masked Singer""

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a mouth or mouthlike opening
  • Similar words include: osmium, OS, Os
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ORA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13A: "30. Challenge"

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy
  • Similar words include: daring, presume, make bold
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14A: "31. Car requirement beginning in 1998"

6 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AIRBAG

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15A: "35. "___ regards ..." (letter sign-off)"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
  • Similar words include: tolerant, genial, kind
  • Opposite of: unkind
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: KINDEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16A: "37. Raw, in a way"

7 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TARTARE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17A: "38. Remove from office"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that remove from political office
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UNSEAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18A: "39. "It ___ easy""

4 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AINT

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19A: "40. N.Y.P.D. rank: Abbr."

3 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SGT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20A: "41. Prepares, as coq au vin"

7 letters Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that cook in liquid
  • Similar words include: braise
  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BRAISES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21A: "43. Chinese menu possessive"

4 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TSOS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22A: "44. Steps in diagnosing A.C.L. injuries, perhaps"

4 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the use of nuclear magnetic resonance of protons to produce proton density images
  • Similar words include: magnetic resonance imaging, MRI
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MRIS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23A: "46. Carton amts."

3 letters Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: QTS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24A: "47. ___-de-sac"

3 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a passage with access only at one end
  • Similar words include: cul de sac, dead end
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CUL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25A: "48. Kung ___ chicken"

3 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PAO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26A: "49. Concerning"

4 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASTO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27A: "51. ___ the Great, king of ancient Persia"

6 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DARIUS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28A: "54. Create a distraction, so to speak"

15 letters Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RUNINTERFERENCE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29A: "57. Heroine in the "Fifty Shades of Grey" books"

15 letters Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ANASTASIASTEELE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30A: "58. Midwest city dubbed the "Little Apple""

15 letters Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MANHATTANKANSAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Down Clues - Complete List

No. Clue Letters
1D 1. Travel safety grp. at school 4
2D 2. Arabic male name meaning "prince" 4
3D 3. Delivery methods? 9
4D 4. Slick, say 6
5D 5. Tailor's measurement 5
6D 6. Three-time W.N.B.A. champs of the 2020s 4
7D 7. Happened 3
8D 8. Adjoining, in a way 7
9D 9. Illuminating point 6
10D 10. Soda brand since 1937 4
11D 11. Antediluvian 9
12D 12. Second-most-common surname in Korea, after Kim 3
13D 13. Sri ___ 5
14D 14. World traveler? 5
15D 15. Big name in Cognac 4
16D 22. Suit material? 4
17D 24. Blemish 4
18D 25. Modern streaming device 4
19D 26. You can find her in this clue (hidden!) 4
20D 27. Like Snoop Dogg, faith-wise, when he changed his name to Snoop Lion 5
21D 28. Flatbread choices 5
22D 30. Start of a child's letter 9
23D 32. Funk music features 9
24D 33. Carrier of the Golden Fleece 4
25D 34. Picks up 4
26D 36. Actress Mazar 4
27D 37. Hitches 4
28D 39. Neighborhood in New York City where Zohran Mamdani lived before being elected the city's mayor 7
29D 42. Brightness measurement of a sort 6
30D 43. Serving piece 6
31D 44. Hawaiian for "mountain" 5
32D 45. Saoirse of 2019's "Little Women" 5
33D 47. Magna ___ 5
34D 48. Carriage in Coventry 4
35D 50. "Right away!" 4
36D 51. Secretary, for example 4
37D 52. Where Jackie Robinson played four(!) college sports, in brief 4
38D 53. Accompanies (to) 4
39D 55. Standoff's conclusion? 3
40D 56. Blow air on 3

Down Clues - Strategic Hints

1D: "1. Travel safety grp. at school"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SADD

Remember this word for future puzzles!

2D: "2. Arabic male name meaning "prince""

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an independent ruler or chieftain (especially in africa or arabia)
  • Similar words include: emeer, ameer, emir
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: AMIR

Remember this word for future puzzles!

3D: "3. Delivery methods?"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the delivery of a fetus by surgical incision through the abdominal wall and uterus (from the belief that julius caesar was born that way)
  • Similar words include: cesarean section, abdominal delivery, cesarean delivery
  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CESAREANS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

4D: "4. Slick, say"

6 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that not straightforward or candid; giving a false appearance of frankness; - david cannadine
  • Similar words include: disingenuous
  • Opposite of: artless, ingenuous
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARTFUL

Remember this word for future puzzles!

5D: "5. Tailor's measurement"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the distance around a person's body
  • Similar words include: cinch
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GIRTH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

6D: "6. Three-time W.N.B.A. champs of the 2020s"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
  • Similar words include: breeze through, sail through, maven
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ACES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

7D: "7. Happened"

3 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a state in northwestern united states on the pacific
  • Similar words include: personify, exist, make up
  • Opposite of: differ
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WAS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

8D: "8. Adjoining, in a way"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ENSUITE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

9D: "9. Illuminating point"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a short synopsis
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: APERCU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

10D: "10. Soda brand since 1937"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an informal term for a father; probably derived from baby talk
  • Similar words include: pop, dad, pappa
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DADS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

11D: "11. Antediluvian"

9 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: OLDASDIRT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

12D: "12. Second-most-common surname in Korea, after Kim"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that united states filmmaker whose works explore the richness of black culture in america (born in 1957)
  • Similar words include: Robert E. Lee, Shelton Jackson Lee, Rose Louise Hovick
  • Opposite of: windward
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LEE

Remember this word for future puzzles!

13D: "13. Sri ___"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: LANKA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

14D: "14. World traveler?"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a person who comes from a foreign country; someone who does not owe allegiance to your country
  • Similar words include: estrange, foreigner, stranger
  • Opposite of: acquaintance, citizen
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ALIEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

15D: "15. Big name in Cognac"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: REMY

Remember this word for future puzzles!

16D: "22. Suit material?"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that (law) any wrongdoing for which an action for damages may be brought
  • Similar words include: civil wrong
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TORT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

17D: "24. Blemish"

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that any small rounded protuberance (as on certain plants or animals)
  • Similar words include: verruca
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: WART

Remember this word for future puzzles!

18D: "25. Modern streaming device"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ROKU

Remember this word for future puzzles!

19D: "26. You can find her in this clue (hidden!)"

4 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that an early name of ireland that is now used in poetry
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ERIN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

20D: "27. Like Snoop Dogg, faith-wise, when he changed his name to Snoop Lion"

5 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that follower of rastafarianism
  • Similar words include: Rastafarian
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RASTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

21D: "28. Flatbread choices"

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that leavened bread baked in a clay oven in india; usually shaped like a teardrop
  • Similar words include: nan, naan
  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: NAANS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

22D: "30. Start of a child's letter"

9 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEARSANTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

23D: "32. Funk music features"

9 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _________
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: BASSLINES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

24D: "33. Carrier of the Golden Fleece"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that formerly a large constellation in the southern hemisphere between canis major and the southern cross; now divided into carina and pyxis and puppis and vela
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ARGO

Remember this word for future puzzles!

25D: "34. Picks up"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a return on a shot that seemed impossible to reach and would normally have resulted in a point for the opponent
  • Similar words include: pay back, start, find
  • Opposite of: end, leave
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: GETS

Remember this word for future puzzles!

26D: "36. Actress Mazar"

4 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DEBI

Remember this word for future puzzles!

27D: "37. Hitches"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that neckwear consisting of a long narrow piece of material worn (mostly by men) under a collar and tied in knot at the front
  • Similar words include: association, tie beam, standoff
  • Opposite of: untie, disconnect
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TIES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

28D: "39. Neighborhood in New York City where Zohran Mamdani lived before being elected the city's mayor"

7 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ASTORIA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

29D: "42. Brightness measurement of a sort"

6 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: IQTEST

Remember this word for future puzzles!

30D: "43. Serving piece"

6 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that large deep serving dish with a cover; for serving soups and stews
  • Pattern: ______
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: TUREEN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

31D: "44. Hawaiian for "mountain""

5 letters 💭 Category: Proper Noun

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: MAUNA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

32D: "45. Saoirse of 2019's "Little Women""

5 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: RONAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

33D: "47. Magna ___"

5 letters 💭 Category: General Knowledge

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: _____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: CARTA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

34D: "48. Carriage in Coventry"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a small vehicle with four wheels in which a baby or child is pushed around
  • Similar words include: pusher, baby buggy, perambulator
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: PRAM

Remember this word for future puzzles!

35D: "50. "Right away!""

4 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: STAT

Remember this word for future puzzles!

36D: "51. Secretary, for example"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a piece of furniture with a writing surface and usually drawers or other compartments
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: DESK

Remember this word for future puzzles!

37D: "52. Where Jackie Robinson played four(!) college sports, in brief"

4 letters 💭 Category: Common Word

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: UCLA

Remember this word for future puzzles!

38D: "53. Accompanies (to)"

4 letters 💭 Category: Abbreviation

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that the seat within a bishop's diocese where his cathedral is located
  • Similar words include: realise, get wind, find
  • Pattern: ____
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: SEES

Remember this word for future puzzles!

39D: "55. Standoff's conclusion?"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: ISH

Remember this word for future puzzles!

40D: "56. Blow air on"

3 letters 💭 Category: Wordplay

Solving Hints:

  • Think of something that a device for creating a current of air by movement of a surface or surfaces
  • Similar words include: buff, sports fan, lover
  • Pattern: ___
Click to reveal answer (spoiler alert!)
Answer: FAN

Remember this word for future puzzles!

Expert Solving Strategies

Start Smart

Begin with fill-in-the-blank clues and short 3-4 letter words. These are your foundation.

Decode the Clues

Question marks indicate wordplay or puns. "Maybe" suggests multiple interpretations.

Use Cross-References

Let intersecting letters guide you. One correct answer unlocks several others.

Build Vocabulary

Common crossword words repeat. Learning them speeds up future solving.

Today's Puzzle Stats

30 Across Clues
40 Down Clues
70 Total Clues

More NYT Crossword Help

Looking for more puzzle solutions? Check out our comprehensive archive of NYT crossword hints and answers. We update daily with expert analysis and solving strategies.

Disclaimer: Crossword clues and grid © The New York Times. This site provides hints and educational content for puzzle enthusiasts. XWordHint is not affiliated with The New York Times.

Last updated: February 27, 2026 at 04:59 AM

Thursday, February 26, 2026

Trivia Week 4 NYT Mini February 26, 2026 Solutions & Guide

NYT Mini Answers February 26, 2026 - Trivia Week 4 Special

Quick Summary: Today's NYT Mini Crossword has 20 clues total. We have all the answers plus helpful hints to make solving easier!

Popular Puzzles: Todays Across Crossword NYT November 26 | NYT Mini Crossword November 29 2025 | March 10 2021 NYT Clues Solutions |

About Today's Puzzle

NYT Mini Crossword solutions for February 26, 2026
NYT Mini Crossword Grid - Thursday, February 26, 2026
Puzzle Statistics
Detail Information
Date February 26, 2026
Grid Size 5 x 5 squares
Total Clues 20 clues
Across Clues 10 clues
Down Clues 10 clues
Average Solve Time Under 1 minute

Today's Trivia Week {week_num} NYT Mini Crossword Grid Layout

This puzzle uses a 5 by 5 grid. That means 5 boxes across and 5 boxes down.

5x5 Crossword Grid Pattern
Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5
Row 1     
Row 2     
Row 3     
Row 4     
Row 5     

How to Solve This Puzzle Fast

  1. Read all the clues first - your brain will start working on them
  2. Fill in the short words first (3 letters or less)
  3. Use the crossing letters to help with harder words
  4. If a clue has a question mark (?), it's probably a joke or play on words
  5. Common short words: THE, AND, ARE, FOR, NOT

Quick Facts About This Puzzle

  • Total squares in grid: 25 (5 times 5)
  • Average time to solve: Less than 1 minute
  • Best time to play: During a coffee break
  • Difficulty level: Made for everyone to enjoy

Across Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from left to right in the puzzle.

Across Clues List
Number Clue
1 Across 51. Superhuman strength, mind-reading, invisibility and four dozen other powers
2 Across 50. Vibe (with)
3 Across 58. Stall, e.g.
4 Across 34. Like a plane, informally
5 Across 63. Charge, in a way
6 Across 19. Happening
7 Across 41. "Stompin' at the ___" (Benny Goodman standard)
8 Across 35. System in which XL is smaller than L ... or a hint to interpreting
the answers to the italicized clues
9 Across 26. Grill, informally
10 Across 64. Loose, as floorboards

Hints and Answers for Across Clues

Need help? Here are hints and answers for each clue above. Also check out these helpful guides:


1 Across: "51. Superhuman strength, mind-reading, invisibility and four dozen other powers"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 11 letters
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: L_________S

Answer:

Click to reveal LIABILITIES


2 Across: "50. Vibe (with)"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'L'
  • Another word like this: mousse

Answer:

Click to reveal GEL


3 Across: "58. Stall, e.g."

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 8 letters
  • It starts with 'G' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: G______E

Answer:

Click to reveal GAINTIME


4 Across: "34. Like a plane, informally"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'T' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: T__D

Answer:

Click to reveal TWOD


5 Across: "63. Charge, in a way"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'I' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: I____E

Answer:

Click to reveal IONIZE


6 Across: "19. Happening"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'T'
  • Word pattern: A___T

Answer:

Click to reveal AFOOT


7 Across: "41. "Stompin' at the ___" (Benny Goodman standard)"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 5 letters
  • It starts with 'S' and ends with 'Y'
  • Word pattern: S___Y

Answer:

Click to reveal SAVOY


8 Across: "35. System in which XL is smaller than L ... or a hint to interpreting
the answers to the italicized clues"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 13 letters
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: R___________S

Answer:

Click to reveal ROMANNUMERALS


9 Across: "26. Grill, informally"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'B' and ends with 'Q'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal BBQ


10 Across: "64. Loose, as floorboards"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 8 letters
  • It starts with 'U' and ends with 'D'
  • Word pattern: U______D

Answer:

Click to reveal UNNAILED

Down Clues - 10 Total

These clues go from top to bottom in the puzzle.

Down Clues List
Number Clue
1 Down 35. Side dish eaten with curry
2 Down 55. Shots, informally
3 Down 56. Toss up?
4 Down 61. Remind too often
5 Down 48. Mercury's mythological counterpart
6 Down 36. Roundish, say
7 Down 59. "Ballerina" star ___ de Armas
8 Down 3. Highland refusal
9 Down 4. Org. that runs the "L"
10 Down 11. ___ minimum

Hints and Answers for Down Clues

Need help? Here are hints and answers for each clue above. You might also like:


1 Down: "35. Side dish eaten with curry"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'R' and ends with 'E'
  • Word pattern: R__E

Answer:

Click to reveal RICE


2 Down: "55. Shots, informally"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'P' and ends with 'X'
  • Another word like this: pyx

Answer:

Click to reveal PIX


3 Down: "56. Toss up?"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'L' and ends with 'B'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal LOB


4 Down: "61. Remind too often"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'G'
  • Another word like this: nagger

Answer:

Click to reveal NAG


5 Down: "48. Mercury's mythological counterpart"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 6 letters
  • It starts with 'H' and ends with 'S'
  • Word pattern: H____S

Answer:

Click to reveal HERMES


6 Down: "36. Roundish, say"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 4 letters
  • It starts with 'O' and ends with 'L'
  • Word pattern: O__L

Answer:

Click to reveal OVAL


7 Down: "59. "Ballerina" star ___ de Armas"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'A'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal ANA


8 Down: "3. Highland refusal"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'N' and ends with 'E'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal NAE


9 Down: "4. Org. that runs the "L""

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'C' and ends with 'A'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal CTA


10 Down: "11. ___ minimum"

Helpful hints:

  • This word has 3 letters
  • It starts with 'A' and ends with 'A'
  • This is a short form or acronym

Answer:

Click to reveal ATA

How to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword Faster

Here are the best tips from expert solvers:

Step-by-Step Strategy

  1. Quick Scan: Read all clues once. Your brain starts working on them right away.
  2. Easy First: Fill in the shortest words (2-3 letters). These are usually simple words like "IT" or "ON".
  3. Use Crossings: When letters cross, they help you figure out harder words.
  4. Watch for Wordplay: Clues with question marks (?) are jokes or puns.
  5. Common Words: Remember these appear often: ERA, ORE, ATE, ICE.

Letter Tips That Really Help

  • The letter E is the most common in English
  • Words ending in S are often plurals
  • If you see "___" in a clue, the answer fits those blanks exactly
  • Abbreviations in clues mean the answer is also abbreviated

Time Goals to Aim For

Your Time Skill Level What It Means
Under 30 seconds Expert You know the puzzle patterns very well!
30-60 seconds Advanced Great job! You solve quickly.
1-2 minutes Good You're doing well. Keep practicing!
Over 2 minutes Learning You'll get faster with practice.

Puzzle Numbers and Facts

Today's Puzzle by the Numbers
Total Clues: 20 clues to solve
Grid Size: 5 boxes across, 5 boxes down
Total Squares: 25 squares to fill
Average Time: Most people solve in 1 minute 3 seconds
Difficulty: Easy

Common Questions About Trivia Week 4

When can I play the Trivia Week 4 Mini?

The Trivia Week 4 puzzle is available at 10 PM Eastern Time the night before.

How fast should I be able to solve Trivia Week 4?

Most people solve the Trivia Week 4 Mini in 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Don't worry if you take longer - speed comes with practice!

Do I need to pay to play Trivia Week 4?

No! The Trivia Week 4 NYT Mini is completely free. You don't need a subscription like the big crossword.

What makes a good Trivia Week 4 solver?

Good Trivia Week 4 solvers know common short words, can spot wordplay quickly, and use crossing letters well. Practice helps a lot!

Are the puzzles harder during Trivia Week 4?

Trivia Week 4 puzzles can vary in difficulty. Saturdays are often the hardest, while Mondays are the easiest.


About This Page: We provide hints and answers for the NYT Mini Crossword to help you learn and improve. This site is not connected to The New York Times.

Last Updated: February 26, 2026 at 05:09 AM

Search terms: NYT Mini Trivia Week, Trivia Week {week_num}, Mini crossword Trivia Week, Trivia Week answers, NYT Trivia Week, February 26 2026 mini crossword