If you're anything like me, the day is not complete until I finish all of the free word games from the New York Times. Working on the dailyConnections,Connections Sports Edition,Wordle, andStrandsis a whole ritual for many of us. And we can't forget about the NYT's TheMini Crossword, too!
Although the NYT is known for "The Crossword," a larger puzzle for paid subscribers, The Mini has quite the fan following as well. This particular game resets at 10 p.m., unlike some of the others that start over at midnight.
So, if you're working on today's Mini on for Today's Mini Crossword onSunday, February 22, 2026, and need some help (I've been there), get ready to read the clues and solutions for each line. We have them separated into hints first for both "Across" and "Down" words, followed by "Across Answers" and "Down Answers," so be careful if you want to avoid spoilers as you scroll!
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Hints for NYT's The Mini Crossword on Sunday, February 22, 2026
Here are additional clues for each of the words in today's Mini Crossword.
NYT Mini Across Hints
1 Across: Soybeans or rice —HINT: Ends with the letter "P"
5 Across: Bit of gossip —HINT: Starts with the letter "R"7 Across: South American flatbread made of ground maize —HINT: Ends with the letter "A"8 Across: ____ 8 Ball —HINT: Starts with the letter "M"9 Across: Something apiratemight make you walk —HINT: Starts with the letter "P"
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NYT Mini Down Hints
1 Down: Sudden muscle tightness —HINT: Ends with the letter "P"
2 Down: Like the areas beyond suburbia —HINT: Starts with the letter "R"
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3 Down: Luxury Swiss watch brand —HINT: Ends with the letter "A"
4 Down: Stop by unannounced —HINT: Ends with the letter "N"
6 Down: Billiards triangle —HINT: Starts with the letter "R"
Answers to NYT's The Mini Crossword for Sunday, February 22, 2026
Don't go any further unless you want to knowexactlywhat the correct words are in today's Mini Crossword.
NYT Mini Across Answers
1 Across: Soybeans or rice —CROP
5 Across: Bit of gossip —RUMOR7 Across: South American flatbread made of ground maize —AREPA8 Across: ____ 8 Ball —MAGIC9 Across: Something a pirate might make you walk —PLANK
NYT Mini Down Answers
1 Down: Sudden muscle tightness —CRAMP
2 Down: Like the areas beyond suburbia —RURAL
3 Down: Luxury Swiss watch brand —OMEGA
4 Down: Stop by unannounced —POPIN
6 Down: Billiards triangle —RACK
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This story was originally published byParadeon Feb 22, 2026, where it first appeared in theLifesection. Add Parade as aPreferred Source by clicking here.
