The February 24 NYT Mini Crossword offers a balanced mix of easy and tricky clues, with 5-Down standing out as the toughest surprise.
The puzzle blends common words, slang, and a Booker Prize-winning novel, making the grid simple yet engaging.
NYT Mini remains a quick daily brain boost, alongside NYT Games like Wordle, Connections, and Strands.
The NYT Mini brings a new puzzle every single day. Each morning starts with a small grid and a fresh set of clues. February 24, 2026, delivers another quick and fun challenge. The puzzle looks simple. The clues make the mind work fast.
The Mini comes from The New York Times. It gives players a short but smart word test. Some clues feel easy. Some make solvers stop and think. Today’s grid has a smooth flow, but one clue stands out as tricky.
Tuesday’s puzzle balances fun and difficulty. One clue, especially 5-Down, stands out as tricky. The wording feels playful. The answer surprises many solvers.
Below are all the clues and answers. Each answer comes with a short and clear explanation.
1A Clue: Goosebumps-inducing
Answer: SCARY
Explanation: Something that causes fear or chills.
6A Clue: Buddy, informally
Answer: HOMIE
Explanation: A friendly slang word for a close friend.
7A Clue: Rub off, as pencil markings
Answer: ERASE
Explanation: To remove pencil writing from paper.
8A Clue: Enjoys a quiet weekend morning, perhaps
Answer: LAZES
Explanation: Spends time relaxing and doing little.
9A Clue: David Szalay's novel that won the 2025 Booker Prize
Answer: FLESH
Explanation: The prize-winning book written by David Szalay.
1D Clue: Section of a bookcase
Answer: SHELF
Explanation: A flat space that holds books.
2D Clue: Color similar to salmon that's also named for a sea creature
Answer: CORAL
Explanation: A pink-orange color named after a sea animal.
3D Clue: Leave speechless
Answer: AMAZE
Explanation: To surprise someone so much that words stop.
4D Clue: Gets out of bed
Answer: RISES
Explanation: Stands up after sleeping.
5D Clue: "Uff-da!"
Answer: YEESH
Explanation: A word said to show surprise or mild shock.
Also Read: NYT Wordle Answer Today for February 23, 2026: Hints and Expert Walkthrough Revealed
Today’s puzzle feels balanced. The words are common. The mix of slang, action words, and a book title keeps the grid fresh. The 5-Down clue may confuse some players at first. The answer fits once the crossing letters fall into place.
The Mini stays popular because it saves time and still feels rewarding. Many players also try other word games from The New York Times. Popular choices include Wordle, Connections, and Strands. These games form the full NYT Games lineup. Each one tests the brain differently.
The NYT Mini keeps daily word lovers coming back. The small grid makes it easy to play during a short break. The smart clues make it hard to stop.
February 24, 2026, brings another smart and simple grid. The clues stay short. The answers feel satisfying. The Mini once again proves that small puzzles can bring big fun.
Tomorrow awaits with another fresh challenge. Another grid will appear. Another quick brain test will begin. NYT Games will continue to offer Wordle, Connections, Strands, and more daily fun for puzzle fans everywhere.
Also Read: Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for February 23, 2026