NYT Crossword hints and answer for February 21, 2026
Hints that get gradually more specific, then the answer if you need it. Nothing is revealed until you tap.
Clues72
Across36
Down36
ConstructorJosh Knapp
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
Look to give nothing away? (10)
Starts with B, ends with EBLANKSTARE→
11A
European city on the Bay of Angels (4)
Starts with N, ends with ENICE→
15A
Film subgenre exemplified by "The Thing" or "The Fly" (10)
Starts with B, ends with RBODYHORROR→
16A
Like some fixations (4)
Starts with O, ends with LORAL→
17A
It gets folded and pressed (10)
Starts with Q, ends with AQUESADILLA→
18A
Split in two (4)
Starts with F, ends with KFORK→
19A
Posts on Insta (3)
Starts with P, ends with XPIX→
20A
The third primary chakra is located just above it (5)
Starts with N, ends with LNAVEL→
21A
Foundations of many dad jokes (4)
Starts with P, ends with SPUNS→
22A
"Right, right, right" (4)
Starts with I, ends with EISEE→
24A
Yom Kippur topic (3)
Starts with S, ends with NSIN→
25A
Certain slip-on (6)
Starts with P, ends with OPONCHO→
27A
Merely hinted at (5)
Starts with T, ends with TTACIT→
29A
Author of "The Fisherman and His Flute" (5)
Starts with A, ends with PAESOP→
31A
Clip-on mic, for short (3)
Starts with L, ends with VLAV→
32A
Many great athletes play with it (4)
Starts with G, ends with TGRIT→
34A
Architect's tool (7)
Starts with T, ends with ETSQUARE→
36A
A cow can produce about 200 pounds of it a year (7)
Starts with M, ends with EMETHANE→
39A
In pieces (7)
Starts with A, ends with RASUNDER→
40A
Items of some import? (7)
Starts with E, ends with AEXOTICA→
41A
Rachel ___, author of "Heated Rivalry" (4)
Starts with R, ends with DREID→
42A
Savory latke topping (3)
Starts with L, ends with XLOX→
43A
Sidney who directed "12 Angry Men" (5)
Starts with L, ends with TLUMET→
45A
"Quiet, you!" (5)
Starts with Z, ends with TZIPIT→
49A
Formula 1 star, e.g. (6)
Starts with D, ends with RDRIVER→
51A
Shade similar to avocado (3)
Starts with P, ends with APEA→
53A
"Sick!" (4)
Starts with D, ends with EDOPE→
54A
On a chain, say (4)
Starts with C, ends with DCCED→
55A
A lot of paperwork (5)
Starts with F, ends with SFORMS→
57A
The W.N.B.A.'s Mercury, on scoreboards (3)
Starts with P, ends with XPHX→
58A
Steps to a lively tune (4)
Starts with J, ends with SJIGS→
59A
How low can you go? (10)
Starts with R, ends with MROCKBOTTOM→
61A
"Right now!" (4)
Starts with A, ends with PASAP→
62A
What roller coasters are designed to do (10)
Starts with E, ends with EEXHILARATE→
63A
Flat earth? (4)
Starts with M, ends with AMESA→
64A
Item for purchase with a question mark on its side (10)
Starts with M, ends with XMYSTERYBOX→
Down
1D
Smoking spot (6)
Starts with B, ends with TBBQPIT→
2D
Mrs. John Quincy Adams (6)
Starts with L, ends with ALOUISA→
3D
Campaign leader, informally (6)
Starts with A, ends with CADEXEC→
4D
Overseer of the Erie Canal, in brief (3)
Starts with N, ends with SNYS→
5D
"Star Trek" villain played by Ricardo Montalbán (4)
Starts with K, ends with NKHAN→
6D
Some diner drinks (5)
Starts with S, ends with SSODAS→
7D
They might have all the answers (10)
Starts with T, ends with MTRIVIATEAM→
8D
Pink-furred cat in "Garfield" (6)
Starts with A, ends with EARLENE→
9D
With 26-Down, basic instruction to a dog (4)
Starts with R, ends with LROLL→
10D
New ___ (official cap maker for M.L.B.) (3)
Starts with E, ends with AERA→
11D
Like a spoilsport (5)
Starts with N, ends with NNOFUN→
12D
Totally foolproof (8)
Starts with I, ends with DIRONCLAD→
13D
Many key changes take place in it (8)
Starts with C, ends with ECARSHARE→
14D
Herd at Yellowstone (3)
Starts with E, ends with KELK→
21D
It's a surprise, of course! (7)
Starts with P, ends with ZPOPQUIZ→
23D
Chinese symbol of prosperity (5)
Starts with E, ends with TEIGHT→
25D
Group of companions (5)
Starts with P, ends with EPOSSE→
26D
See 9-Down (4)
Starts with O, ends with ROVER→
28D
Followed surreptitiously (7)
Starts with T, ends with DTRAILED→
30D
Beginner's set (10)
Starts with S, ends with TSTARTERKIT→
33D
Rack up (5)
Starts with I, ends with RINCUR→
35D
Ruined (5)
Starts with U, ends with DUNDID→
36D
Blend into one (4)
Starts with M, ends with DMELD→
37D
Free spirits? (8)
Starts with E, ends with EEXORCISE→
38D
Hydrogen sulfide, e.g. (8)
Starts with T, ends with STOXICGAS→
44D
Big times (6)
Starts with E, ends with SEPOCHS→
46D
You might hear a hiss when it's pulled (6)
Starts with P, ends with BPOPTAB→
47D
Defunct image editor (6)
Starts with I, ends with OIPHOTO→
48D
Chile con carne cuisine (6)
Starts with T, ends with XTEXMEX→
50D
Hornet genus (5)
Starts with V, ends with AVESPA→
52D
Take a constitutional (5)
Starts with A, ends with EAMBLE→
55D
Cunning (4)
Starts with F, ends with YFOXY→
56D
Go to the moon (4)
Starts with S, ends with RSOAR→
58D
Play together, in a way (3)
Starts with J, ends with MJAM→
59D
Phase for dreamers (3)
Starts with R, ends with MREM→
60D
"___ me!" (3)
Starts with T, ends with YTRY→
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 21, 2026?+
72 clues: 36 Across and 36 Down. The puzzle was constructed by Josh Knapp and edited by Will Shortz.
What are some answers in today’s NYT Crossword?+
For example: Look to give nothing away? (BLANKSTARE); European city on the Bay of Angels (NICE); Film subgenre exemplified by "The Thing" or "The Fly" (BODYHORROR).
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.
