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February 17, 2026 NYT Mini Crossword mixes poetry, pop culture, and wordplay in a short, smart grid.
Clues like HOWL, KYLIE, and GOON add variety, while simple answers keep the puzzle quick and fun.
NYT Games like Wordle, Strands, and Connections make daily puzzles a complete brain workout.
The New York Times Mini Crossword brings a fresh puzzle every single day. Each morning opens with a small grid and a new test of words. February 17, 2026, delivers another quick and clever challenge. The grid may look tiny, but it carries smart clues and neat twists.
Today’s puzzle feels smooth and balanced. Some clues look simple at first glance. A few make the mind pause for a second. One answer plays with spacing. Another brings in classic poetry. A pop culture name appears. A historic spy group shows up. The mix keeps the brain active.
Each square carries a purpose. Each clue tests speed and memory. February 17 brings a mix of literature, pop culture, and simple word twists.
Below are the full clues, answers, and short explanations in a clear and simple style.
1A clue: Prefix meaning “eight.”
Answer: OCTO
OCTO means eight and appears in common words like octagon.
5A clue: Classic poem that begins “I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness.”
Answer: HOWL
HOWL is the famous poem by Allen Ginsberg and starts with that powerful line.
6A clue: One of the Jenners
Answer: KYLIE
KYLIE refers to Kylie Jenner, a popular public figure from the Jenner family.
7A clue: As one word: A henchman / As two words: “Please proceed.”
Answer: GOON
GOON means a thug as one word, while “go on” means continue.
8A clue: Prickly seedcases
Answer: BURS
BURS are small, sharp seed pods that stick to clothes or fur.
1D clue: “Stop, I’m blushing!”
Answer: OHYOU
OH YOU is said playfully after praise or teasing.
2D clue: Indicator of difficulty in Connections
Answer: COLOR
In Connections, colors show how hard each word group is.
3D clue: Identical siblings
Answer: TWINS
TWINS are siblings born at the same time who look alike.
4D clue: Repeated cheer at a soccer stadium
Answer: OLE
OLE is a loud and repeated cheer heard during soccer matches.
6D clue: Soviet spy org.
Answer: KGB
The KGB was the main security agency of the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
Also Read: NYT Wordle Answer Today for February 17, 2026: Hints and Expert Walkthrough Revealed
Today’s grid feels light but smart. The poetry clue adds depth. The Jenner clue keeps it modern. The wordplay in GOON brings a fun twist. The short answers make the puzzle quick to finish, yet each one feels meaningful.
Many puzzle fans also explore other daily games from NYT Games. Popular choices include Wordle, Strands, and Connections. Each game offers a different kind of brain workout. Wordle tests guessing skills. Connections challenge grouping logic. Strands focuses on finding hidden words. The Mini Crossword fits perfectly into this daily routine.
February 17, 2026, shows once again why the Mini stays popular. The puzzle stays short. The clues stay clear. The answers feel satisfying. The grid gives a quick mental boost without taking too much time.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers bring another neat and thoughtful challenge, offering clarity and creativity. The puzzle keeps minds sharp and mornings active. The clues stay sharp, and the grid flows without friction.
Tuesday’s challenge welcomes fresh energy. Another day brings another set of clever prompts. Language leads the way. Thought follows closely behind. The Mini proves once again that small puzzles hold big charm.
Tomorrow awaits with a fresh grid and new clues. NYT Games will return with more word fun and daily brain teasers.
Also Read: Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for February 16, 2026
