NYT Mini Crossword Hints & Answers: Saturday, February 14, 2026

For many of us, the day isn’t complete until we finish the New York Times word games. Between Wordle, Connections, and Strands, the NYT Mini Crossword is a daily staple.

While the full-sized NYT Crossword is usually for subscribers, the Mini is free and has a huge following. Keep in mind that the Mini resets every evening at 10 p.m. ET.

If you are working on the Saturday, February 14, 2026 puzzle and need a little help, we have you covered. Below you will find hints for every clue, followed by the full answer key.

NYT Mini Crossword Hints (Feb 14)

If you just want a small nudge without giving away the whole answer, use these letter hints.

Across Hints

• 1 Across: Org. with a Slam Dunk Contest — HINT: Starts with N

• 4 Across: Menacing creature in “The Lord of the Rings” — HINT: Ends with C

• 7 Across: Spherical shape — HINT: Starts with O

• 8 Across: Greek “r” — HINT: Ends with O

• 9 Across: Symbol on Hawaii’s license plate — HINT: Ends with W

• 11 Across: Magazine with show listings — HINT: Starts with T

• 12 Across: Showed support to, as a text message — HINT: Ends with D

• 13 Across: Move up the rankings — HINT: Starts with R

• 14 Across: Kind of lighting whose first letter stands for “light” — HINT: Starts with L

Down Hints

• 1 Down: The direction the Australian continent moves each year slightly — HINT: Ends with H

• 2 Down: More courageous — HINT: Starts with B

• 3 Down: Virginia governor Spanberger — HINT: Starts with A

• 4 Down: Went around the world? — HINT: Ends with D

• 5 Down: Colossus of ____ (Ancient World Wonder) — HINT: Starts with R

• 6 Down: Intimidated — HINT: Ends with D

• 10 Down: Hospital worker — HINT: Starts with N

NYT Mini Crossword Answers (Feb 14)

Warning: Spoilers ahead! Do not scroll further if you want to solve the puzzle on your own.

Across Answers

• 1 Across: NBA

• 4 Across: ORC

• 7 Across: ORB

• 8 Across: RHO

• 9 Across: RAINBOW

• 11 Across: TVGUIDE

• 12 Across: HEARTED

• 13 Across: RISES

• 14 Across: LED

Down Answers

• 1 Down: NORTH

• 2 Down: BRAVER

• 3 Down: ABIGAIL

• 4 Down: ORBITED

• 5 Down: RHODES

• 6 Down: COWED

• 10 Down: NURSE

NYT Mini Crossword Hints and Answers: Friday, February 13, 2026