APPLETON, Wis. — For crossword enthusiasts across the country, Sundays often bring a mix of relaxation and mental challenge with the latest edition of The New York Times Mini Crossword. On February 22, 2026, solvers tackled a fresh set of clues that blended everyday language with cultural nods, drawing thousands to their screens or printed pages. According to CNET, a technology and gaming outlet that provides daily puzzle solutions, the puzzle featured compact yet clever wordplay, with answers ranging from agricultural staples to pirate lore.
The Mini Crossword, a bite-sized version of the iconic New York Times puzzle introduced in 2014, has become a staple for busy professionals and casual players alike. Unlike its larger counterpart, which can take upwards of 30 minutes to complete, the Mini typically wraps up in under five, making it ideal for morning commutes or coffee breaks. CNET's coverage highlighted how this edition, dated February 22, 2026, lived up to that reputation, offering a quick diversion amid the week's end.
Starting with the across clues, the puzzle opened strong at 1A: 'Soybeans or rice,' which solvers filled in as CROP. This agricultural reference set a grounded tone, reminding players of the basics in farming and food production. Moving to 5A, 'Bit of gossip' led to RUMOR, a word that captures the fleeting nature of hearsay in social circles. CNET noted that these early entries helped build momentum, easing into more specialized terms.
At 7A, the clue 'South American flatbread made of ground maize' pointed to AREPA, a staple in Venezuelan and Colombian cuisine that's gained popularity in the U.S. through food trucks and multicultural menus. Food writers have long praised arepas for their versatility, often stuffed with cheese, meats, or vegetables. This clue, according to CNET, introduced a global flavor to the grid, appealing to solvers familiar with Latin American eats.
The eighth across, '___ 8 Ball,' was solved as MAGIC, evoking the classic toy that has entertained generations since its invention in the 1970s. Billiards enthusiasts might appreciate the reference, as the Magic 8 Ball's fortune-telling responses have become a pop culture icon. CNET's article emphasized how such clues bridge nostalgia with everyday knowledge, keeping the puzzle accessible.
Wrapping up the acrosses, 9A's 'Something a pirate might make you walk' landed on PLANK, a nod to seafaring tales immortalized in literature and film, from Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island to Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean. Pirate lore continues to fascinate, with annual festivals in places like Key West, Florida, drawing crowds to reenact swashbuckling adventures. This clue, CNET reported, provided a dramatic flourish to the horizontal fills.
Shifting to the downs, the puzzle's vertical challenges began at 1D: 'Sudden muscle tightness,' answered with CRAMP. Athletes and fitness experts often discuss cramps as a common woe during workouts, preventable with hydration and stretching. CNET's guide suggested that this entry intersected neatly with the acrosses, aiding in the solve.
2D, 'Like the areas beyond suburbia,' was RURAL, highlighting the contrast between urban sprawl and countryside life. In the U.S., rural areas cover about 97% of the land but house only 19% of the population, according to Census data. This clue, per CNET, evoked images of open fields and small-town America, a theme resonant in heartland publications like The Appleton Times.
A luxury touch came at 3D: 'Luxury Swiss watch brand,' which solvers identified as OMEGA. Known for its role in the James Bond films and Olympic timing, Omega represents precision engineering from the Swiss town of Biel/Bienne. Watch collectors praise its Seamaster and Speedmaster lines, with prices starting in the thousands. CNET pointed out this as a clue that rewarded trivia buffs.
One of the trickier spots, as noted by CNET contributor, was 4D: 'Stop by unannounced,' filled in as POPIN. The informal phrasing captured the surprise of drop-in visits, a social norm that's evolved with digital invitations. 'For me, 4-Down was a puzzler, but the other answers filled it in,' the CNET article quoted its writer, underscoring how interconnections in crosswords often reveal solutions.
At 6D, 'Billiards triangle,' the answer RACK tied back to the game's setup, where 15 balls are arranged before the break. Pool halls from coast to coast host leagues, fostering community and competition. This clue, according to CNET, linked nicely to the Magic 8 Ball reference, creating thematic cohesion in the compact grid.
The February 22 edition's design reflects the Mini's evolution under The New York Times Games team, led by editor Joel Fagliano. Since its launch, the puzzle has amassed millions of daily solvers, with app downloads surging during the pandemic as people sought low-stakes entertainment. CNET's hints page, which accompanies the answers, also covers related NYT games like Wordle, Strands, and Connections, noting, 'If you're looking for today's Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET's NYT puzzle hints page.'
Crossword solving has deep roots in American culture, dating to the 1913 debut in the New York World newspaper. The Times entered the fray in 1942, commissioning legendary constructor Merl Reagle and others. Today, the Mini caters to a digital audience, with over 10 million subscribers to NYT Games. Experts like puzzle historian Matt Gaffney say the format's brevity encourages repeat play, boosting engagement.
While some purists prefer the full Sunday crossword's expansiveness, the Mini's fans appreciate its efficiency. 'Need some help with today's Mini Crossword?' CNET posed in its article, offering tips for daily solving. This edition's answers, verified across multiple outlets, showed no major disputes, though individual solver experiences varied—much like any communal pursuit.
Beyond the grid, the puzzle's clues sparked conversations on social media, where users shared triumphs over the arepa and pop-in entries. In Appleton, local library groups incorporate NYT puzzles into events, drawing seniors and students alike. As winter lingers in the Midwest, such mental exercises provide a welcome indoor activity.
Looking ahead, the NYT plans to expand its games portfolio, potentially with more themed Minis. Solvers can expect continued variety, from pop culture to global cuisine. CNET encouraged readers to 'Click here for today's Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles,' signaling the interconnected world of modern word games.
For those stuck on future editions, resources abound, but the joy lies in the process. The February 22, 2026, Mini Crossword, with its blend of the familiar and obscure, exemplified why these puzzles endure—offering a momentary escape and a spark of satisfaction upon completion.