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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Here are the NYT Mini crossword hints and answers for Monday, February 16, 2026. Start with the spoiler-light hints if you’re still solving; the complete Across and Down answer key follows.
Spoiler-light hints for February 16
Use the clue and its hint to nudge a single entry without revealing the full grid. The hint gives either the first or last letter.
Across
| Entry | Clue | Hint |
|---|---|---|
| 1A | What some people solve the Mini for | Ends with D |
| 6A | Chat, informally | Starts with C |
| 7A | Fire truck attachments | Starts with H |
| 8A | What other people solve the Mini for | Ends with N |
| 9A | “Are we there ___?” | Starts with Y |
Down
| Entry | Clue | Hint |
|---|---|---|
| 1D | Academy or university: Abbr. | Starts with S |
| 2D | Like a voluminous winter jacket | Starts with P |
| 3D | Come next | Ends with E |
| 4D | ___ planner (occupation) | Starts with E |
| 5D | Number before tres | Ends with S |
Complete NYT Mini answer key
Spoilers below.
Across
| Entry | Clue | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1A | What some people solve the Mini for | SPEED |
| 6A | Chat, informally | CONVO |
| 7A | Fire truck attachments | HOSES |
| 8A | What other people solve the Mini for | FUN |
| 9A | “Are we there ___?” | YET |
Down
| Entry | Clue | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1D | Academy or university: Abbr. | SCH |
| 2D | Like a voluminous winter jacket | POOFY |
| 3D | Come next | ENSUE |
| 4D | ___ planner (occupation) | EVENT |
| 5D | Number before tres | DOS |
Playing older Mini puzzles
Forbes reported that the Mini was free to play on the NYT website or NYT Games app, while access to previous puzzles in the archive required an NYT Games subscription. Access terms can change; check the Forbes guide for the date-specific statement.
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