February 16, 2026, NYT Mini Crossword mixed speed and fun with smart, simple clues.
The puzzle featured easy yet clever answers like SPEED, FUN, CONVO, and ENSUE.
NYT Games continues to offer daily brain challenges with the Mini and other word puzzles.
The New York Times brings a new Mini Crossword every single day. Each morning opens with a small grid and a fresh set of clues. February 16, 2026, continues that daily tradition with a fun and speedy challenge.
The Mini feels short, but it still makes the brain work. Some people open it to test their speed. Others open it to relax for a few minutes. Today’s puzzle even talks about that idea inside the grid. Two clues feel playful and self-aware. That twist makes this Monday puzzle stand out.
The Mini does not take long to finish. Yet every clue matters. Each word must fit perfectly. A single wrong guess can slow the flow. That small pressure keeps the game exciting.
Now, here are all the clues, answers, and simple explanations.
1A: What do some people solve the Mini for
Answer: SPEED
Many players try to finish the Mini as fast as possible and beat their best time.
6A: Chat, informally
Answer: CONVO
“Convo” is a short and casual word for conversation.
7A: Fire truck attachments
Answer: HOSES
Fire trucks carry hoses to spray water and stop fires.
8A: What other people solve the Mini for
Answer: FUN
Some players solve the puzzle just to enjoy it and feel relaxed.
9A: "Are we there ___?"
Answer: YET
The full sentence is “Are we there yet?” often said during long trips.
1D: Academy or university: Abbr.
Answer: SCH
“Sch” is a short form for school that fits well in small crossword grids.
2D: Like a voluminous winter jacket
Answer: POOFY
A thick winter jacket looks big and puffed up, which means poofy.
3D: Come next
Answer: ENSUE
“Ensue” means something happens right after something else.
4D: ___ planner (occupation)
Answer: EVENT
An event planner organizes parties, weddings, and meetings.
5D: Number before tres
Answer: DOS
“Dos” means two in Spanish and comes before tres, which means three.
Also Read: NYT Wordle Answer Today for February 16, 2026: Hints and Expert Walkthrough Revealed
Today’s grid feels light and clever. The words SPEED and FUN show two different reasons people love the Mini. Some chase time. Others chase smiles. Both fit perfectly inside this small puzzle.
The Mini is part of the popular NYT Games collection from The New York Times. That collection also includes Wordle, Connections, and other daily word challenges. Each game tests a different skill. The Mini focuses on quick thinking and sharp recall.
Every day brings a brand-new grid. Every grid brings new clues. February 16, 2026, adds another neat and satisfying solve to the list.
The NYT Mini brings this challenge every single day. Another morning means another grid. Another grid means another chance to think fast and smile at clever wordplay. February 16 adds one more satisfying solve to the growing archive of daily crossword solutions.
The puzzle closes quickly. Yet the small victory lingers.
Today’s Mini offered both speed and fun in one small puzzle. The grid closed quickly, but the joy stayed. Tomorrow awaits another fresh challenge and another smart set of clues. The NYT Games section continues to deliver daily brain boosts for puzzle lovers everywhere.
Also Read: Today’s NYT Strands Hints and Answers for February 15, 2026