NYT Crossword hints and answer for February 17, 2026
Hints that get gradually more specific, then the answer if you need it. Nothing is revealed until you tap.
Clues78
Across39
Down39
ConstructorStephan Prock and Jeff Chen
Today’s NYT Crossword clues, hints & answers
Every clue from this puzzle with a hint and the answer behind separate buttons, so you only see what you need. Click a clue for its own page.
Across
1A
Forerunner of reggae (3)
Starts with S, ends with ASKA→
4A
Because (5)
Starts with S, ends with ESINCE→
9A
Fluster with embarrassment (5)
Starts with A, ends with HABASH→
15A
"L'Orfeo" or "Idomeneo" (5)
Starts with O, ends with AOPERA→
16A
Spoiled girl in "Finding Nemo" (5)
Starts with D, ends with ADARLA→
17A
White rodent often used in lab research (9)
Starts with A, ends with TALBINORAT→
19A
Hunter in the night sky (5)
Starts with O, ends with NORION→
20A
"Cool!" (5)
Starts with N, ends with ONEATO→
21A
Hit maker? (4)
Starts with F, ends with TFIST→
23A
Big name in pet food (4)
Starts with I, ends with SIAMS→
24A
Complete fiasco (5)
Starts with S, ends with USNAFU→
26A
"I suppose that's right" (7)
Starts with G, ends with OGUESSSO→
28A
Some fancy finger painting (7)
Starts with N, ends with TNAILART→
30A
Flavoring in an earthy whiskey (4)
Starts with P, ends with TPEAT→
31A
Classic skin-care brand (4)
Starts with O, ends with YOLAY→
32A
Film performers' union, for short (3)
Starts with S, ends with GSAG→
34A
Spanish appetizers (5)
Starts with T, ends with STAPAS→
38A
Prospector's receptacle (3)
Starts with P, ends with NPAN→
39A
42A
German cry of dismay (3)
Starts with A, ends with HACH→
43A
Old Ford Motor offering (5)
Starts with E, ends with LEDSEL→
45A
Site for hibernation … or a Super Bowl party (3)
Starts with D, ends with NDEN→
46A
No more than (4)
Starts with U, ends with OUPTO→
47A
Sources of quick $$$ (4)
Starts with A, ends with SATMS→
50A
Break up, as a group (7)
Starts with D, ends with DDISBAND→
52A
Someone's public identity (7)
Starts with P, ends with APERSONA→
55A
Workout inspired by martial arts (5)
Starts with T, ends with OTAEBO→
56A
"Nobody doesn't like ___ Lee" (classic food slogan) (4)
Starts with S, ends with ASARA→
57A
Daddy-o (4)
Starts with P, ends with SPOPS→
59A
"___ Jacques" (children's song) (5)
Starts with F, ends with EFRERE→
61A
"The Addams Family" butler (5)
Starts with L, ends with HLURCH→
63A
Spoken evaluations (9)
Starts with O, ends with SORALEXAMS→
65A
Island greeting (5)
Starts with A, ends with AALOHA→
66A
Starts daydreaming, with "out" (5)
Starts with Z, ends with SZONES→
67A
Sound heard at the door (3)
Starts with R, ends with PRAP→
68A
Amped up (5)
Starts with W, ends with DWIRED→
69A
Call off the relationship (5)
Starts with E, ends with TENDIT→
70A
Furtive (3)
Starts with S, ends with YSLY→
Down
1D
Distance from end to end (4)
Starts with S, ends with NSPAN→
2D
Leafy side dish rich in vitamin K (9)
Starts with K, ends with DKALESALAD→
3D
Residents of Tirana (9)
Starts with A, ends with SALBANIANS→
4D
"Oh, that stupid little punk ..." (6)
Starts with S, ends with ASONOFA→
5D
Wall Street debut, for short (3)
Starts with I, ends with OIPO→
6D
Toy brand with foam ammo (4)
Starts with N, ends with FNERF→
7D
Daniel of the "Knives Out" movies (5)
Starts with C, ends with GCRAIG→
8D
Devours (6)
Starts with E, ends with PEATSUP→
9D
Fuss and flurry (3)
Starts with A, ends with OADO→
10D
Many a Starbucks employee (7)
Starts with B, ends with ABARISTA→
11D
Highlights of a 15-Across (5)
Starts with A, ends with SARIAS→
12D
Smartphone video effect (5)
Starts with S, ends with OSLOMO→
13D
Film composer Zimmer (4)
Starts with H, ends with SHANS→
18D
Boot out of Europe? (5)
Starts with I, ends with YITALY→
22D
Item stored in a small hole in a golf cart (3)
Starts with T, ends with ETEE→
25D
___ Major (4)
Starts with U, ends with AURSA→
27D
Fill fully (4)
Starts with S, ends with ESATE→
28D
"Uh-uh" (4)
Starts with N, ends with ENOPE→
29D
Material for a roof repair (3)
Starts with T, ends with RTAR→
33D
Mars, but not Earth (3)
Starts with G, ends with DGOD→
35D
Tough-but-loving fathers, informally (9)
Starts with P, ends with SPAPABEARS→
36D
"Don't be so weird!" (9)
Starts with A, ends with LACTNORMAL→
37D
Equipped with footwear (4)
Starts with S, ends with DSHOD→
39D
Sandwiches often on toasted bread (4)
Starts with B, ends with SBLTS→
40D
Proof-ending inits. (3)
Starts with Q, ends with DQED→
41D
Troop group (4)
Starts with U, ends with TUNIT→
44D
Aural ailment (7)
Starts with E, ends with EEARACHE→
46D
Standard option on a rideshare app (5)
Starts with U, ends with XUBERX→
48D
Shaggy head of hair (3)
Starts with M, ends with PMOP→
49D
Get some Z's (6)
Starts with S, ends with ESNOOZE→
51D
Least risky (6)
Starts with S, ends with TSAFEST→
52D
Physicist Wolfgang who proposed the "exclusion principle" (5)
Starts with P, ends with IPAULI→
53D
Blunder (5)
Starts with E, ends with RERROR→
54D
Front part of a stage (5)
Starts with A, ends with NAPRON→
56D
Barbecue side dish (4)
Starts with S, ends with WSLAW→
58D
Material in a classical timepiece (4)
Starts with S, ends with DSAND→
60D
Sneak a peek at (4)
Starts with E, ends with YESPY→
62D
Suckered (3)
Starts with H, ends with DHAD→
64D
Ring of flowers (3)
Starts with L, ends with ILEI→
How to solve the NYT Crossword
Fill the grid so that every Across and Down answer matches its clue. Numbered squares mark where answers begin. Theme answers, usually the longest entries, share a twist that the puzzle's title or a revealer clue explains. Thursday puzzles are known for rebus squares and other tricks that bend the normal rules.
Want the full method? Read our NYT Crossword strategy and tips, or check how to play the NYT Crossword on the hub.
NYT Crossword tips for tomorrow
- Start with Monday-level clues. Even on a Saturday, a handful of clues are straightforward. Find them and build outward from the crossings.
- Hunt for the revealer. A clue that references other entries or ends in "?" often explains the theme. Solving it first unlocks the long answers.
- Respect the day of the week. Thursday means tricks like rebus squares; Friday and Saturday mean long, clever fill with misleading clues.
Done for today? Try The Mini, The Midi, LA Times Crossword, all with hints first and answers behind a reveal.
Previous NYT Crossword puzzles
NYT Crossword FAQ
How many clues are in the NYT Crossword for February 17, 2026?+
78 clues: 39 Across and 39 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Stephan Prock and Jeff Chen and edited by Will Shortz.
What are some answers in today’s NYT Crossword?+
For example: Forerunner of reggae (SKA); Because (SINCE); Fluster with embarrassment (ABASH).
What time does the NYT Crossword come out?+
The next day's puzzle is released at 10:00 pm Eastern Time Monday to Friday and at 6:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Where can I find past NYT Crossword answers?+
Every puzzle in our archive has its own page with all Across and Down answers, plus a page for each clue. Click any date above.
