Here are the clues and answers for the NYT Mini Crossword published Wednesday, February 25, 2026. The answers are listed below by direction; scroll past the hint list if you want to avoid spoilers.
Hints for the February 25 Mini Crossword
These clue paraphrases can help you work through the grid before checking the answer key. The complete list comes from WePC’s February 25 guide.
Across
- 1A: A floppy disk icon on your PC
- 5A: To strongly desire something
- 7A: Persuaded or lured in
- 8A: Surrounded by or together with
- 9A: Like it’s 1999
Down
- 1D: To discard or throw away, as in “scrap it”
- 2D: A pleasant smell or scent
- 3D: What a humidifier emits
- 4D: A competition category at the Olympics
- 6D: Slightly daring or risqué
February 25, 2026 answer key
Spoilers below. WePC lists these answers for the Wednesday puzzle; they have not been independently confirmed against an NYT primary source here.
Across answers
- 1A — SAVE
- 5A — CRAVE
- 7A — ROPED
- 8A — AMONG
- 9A — PARTY
Down answers
- 1D — SCRAP
- 2D — AROMA
- 3D — VAPOR
- 4D — EVENT
- 6D — EDGY
How difficult was the puzzle?
WePC described this Mini as “moderate,” noting that a couple of clues may need a second read and that the compact grid leaves less room to maneuver after an early stall. That is the publication’s qualitative assessment, not a measured difficulty score.
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