The New York Times Mini Crossword for February 22, 2026, has been completed, offering a quick mental exercise for puzzle enthusiasts. The game, designed for rapid solving, presented a mix of vocabulary and general knowledge challenges, according to solutions released by CNET.
Across clues included “Soybeans or rice” with the answer “CROP,” “Bit of gossip” answered as “RUMOR,” “South American flatbread made of ground maize” solved as “AREPA,” and “___ 8 Ball” which was “MAGIC.” The final across clue, “Something a pirate might make you walk,” yielded the answer “PLANK.”
Down clues proved equally varied. “Sudden muscle tightness” was “CRAMP,” “Like the areas beyond suburbia” was “RURAL,” “Luxury Swiss watch brand” was “OMEGA,” and “Stop by unannounced” was “POPIN.” Completing the puzzle, “Billiards triangle” was solved as “RACK.”
The New York Times offers a suite of word and logic games, including the daily Crossword, the Mini Crossword, Spelling Bee, Letter Boxed, Tiles, Wordle, Connections, and Strands, according to the NYT Company website. The Mini Crossword, introduced in 2014, provides a shorter puzzle experience compared to the traditional Crossword, which has been captivating solvers since 1942.
Recently, the New York Times Games portfolio expanded with the addition of Crossplay, a two-player word game available on iOS and Android. The company also provides resources for solvers, including daily Wordle reviews, Connections companions, and forums for Spelling Bee and Strands, as detailed on their games website.
