NYT Mini Crossword Answers: February 13, 2026

By Joel Fagliano • Edited by

Welcome to your verified daily guide for the New York Times Mini Crossword. The puzzle for February 13, 2026 brings a fresh set of vocabulary challenges. Below, you will find our interactive solver and strategic breakdown.

💡 Daily Hint: Focus on the Across clues first. Today’s grid has a flow that rewards horizontal solving.

Interactive Solver

Click a clue to reveal the answer.

The Mini Crossword

1Like flowers that never wilt

FAKE

5Italian city that’s hosting part of the 2026 Winter Olympics

MILAN

6“Huh, that’s strange …”

WEIRD

7Regions

AREAS

8Crossword clue, e.g.

HINT

1Guy in a kitchen

FIERI

2Visitor from another world

ALIEN

3Gold measurement

KARAT

4“Don’t tell me how it ___!”

ENDS

5Kissing sound

MWAH

Game Rules & Guide

The objective is simple: Solve the clues to fill the grid. The puzzle resets daily at 10 PM EST. Tips for Success:
1. Read through all ‘Across’ clues first.
2. Don’t be afraid to skip clues and come back.
3. Look for plurals (clues ending in ‘s’) to place easy ‘S’ letters in the grid.

The Evolution of the Mini

Launched in 2014, the NYT Mini was created to appeal to a digital-first audience. Unlike the main crossword, which gets harder throughout the week, the Mini remains accessible daily. It has developed its own ‘voice,’ often referencing pop culture, tech terms, and slang that might not fit in a traditional puzzle. This unique flavor is largely attributed to Joel Fagliano, who has edited thousands of these puzzles.

The Art of the ‘Open’ Grid

Today’s puzzle features a relatively open grid. An ‘open’ grid in crossword terms means fewer black squares and more white space. This increases the difficulty because there are more letters to fill and fewer breaks. In a 5×5 Mini, an open grid often means 5-letter words stacked on top of each other, which requires a strong vocabulary and the ability to visualize word patterns.

Cognitive Benefits of Crosswords

Solving puzzles like the NYT Mini isn’t just fun; it’s good for your brain. Studies suggest that daily word puzzles can help improve verbal memory and executive function. The mental flexibility required to switch between ‘Across’ and ‘Down’ clues trains your brain to make quick connections between unrelated concepts.

Recent Solutions

Date	Editor	Status
Today		Solved
February 12, 2026	Joel Fagliano	View

Frequently Asked Questions

When does it reset?

10 PM EST (Weekdays), 6 PM EST (Weekends).

Is it free?

Yes, free without subscription.

Check out more puzzles at WordFinder Tips.