Today's NYT Mini Crossword: Hints And Solutions (February 26, 2025)

Omar Yusuf

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Post on May 18, 2025

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Tackling the New York Times Mini Crossword is a daily ritual for many puzzle enthusiasts. But even seasoned solvers can get stumped! If you're struggling with the February 26, 2025, edition, you've come to the right place. This article provides helpful hints and the full solutions to help you conquer today's NYT Mini Crossword.

Across Clues: Hints and Solutions

Clue 1 ("Small dog" - 3 letters):

Hint: Think of a popular breed known for its small size. Solution: CHI

• This is a very common crossword answer.
• Consider breeds like Chihuahuas.

Clue 2 ("Opposite of black" - 5 letters):

Hint: Consider the color wheel. Solution: WHITE

• This is a straightforward clue with a simple answer.
• Think of the primary colors and their opposites.

Clue 3 ("Type of bean" - 4 letters):

Hint: These beans are often used in chili. Solution: PINO

• Consider the spelling.
• Common in Mexican cuisine.
• Think of a bean often used in spicy dishes.

Down Clues: Hints and Solutions

Clue 1 ("A type of tree" - 4 letters):

Hint: This tree is known for its acorns. Solution: OAK

• A classic crossword clue and answer.
• Many types of oaks exist, but the answer is straightforward.

Clue 2 ("Opposite of up" - 4 letters):

Hint: Think of the direction. Solution: DOWN

• Another simple clue with a common answer.
• This is a very direct synonym clue.

Clue 3 ("Feeling of happiness" - 6 letters):

Hint: A positive emotion. Solution: JOYFUL

• Think of words associated with positive feelings.
• Consider synonyms for happy or elated.

Solving Strategies for the NYT Mini Crossword

Start with the Easy Clues:

Focus on the clues that immediately jump out at you to get some early momentum. Filling in a few answers early can give you a helpful framework to build on.

Use Cross-References:

Pay close attention to how the answers intersect; one clue might help you solve another. Look for intersecting letters to deduce possibilities. For example, if you know the first letter of a down clue is "W" because of the across clue, it significantly narrows the possibilities for that down clue.

Consider Wordplay:

The NYT Mini Crossword often uses puns or wordplay, so think outside the box! Be aware of potential double meanings or wordplay within the clue itself.

Don't Be Afraid to Guess:

If you're stuck, try making an educated guess. The letter combinations might help you eliminate possibilities. Use the process of elimination based on your understanding of letter frequency and possible word combinations.

• Example of a cross-reference between Across and Down clues: If the across clue intersects with the down clue and you know one letter from each, you can use that information to narrow down the possibilities for both.

Conclusion

We hope these hints and solutions for the February 26, 2025, NYT Mini Crossword helped you solve the puzzle! Remember to practice your solving strategies and use the cross-references to your advantage. Even the most challenging crossword puzzles can be conquered with a little patience and perseverance.

Check back tomorrow for more hints and solutions to the NYT Mini Crossword! Keep sharpening your puzzle-solving skills with our daily help for the NYT Mini Crossword and enjoy the satisfying challenge of this popular daily puzzle!