NYT Crossword hints and answer for February 14, 2026

Hints that get gradually more specific, then the answer if you need it. Nothing is revealed until you tap.

Clues63
Across28
Down35
ConstructorDavid Karp

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
It's made with two fingers (9)
Starts with P, ends with NPEACESIGN→
10A
They're often taken in December (11)
Starts with S, ends with SSANTAPHOTOS→
12A
Features of many romantic dramas (13)
Starts with L, ends with SLOVETRIANGLES→
14A
"Follow me" (4)
Starts with C, ends with ECOME→
15A
Heart test, for short (3)
Starts with E, ends with GECG→
16A
Subject of study (4)
Starts with A, ends with AAREA→
18A
Go heavy at the buffet, say (6)
Starts with L, ends with PLOADUP→
21A
Kind of car on a long-distance train (6)
Starts with D, ends with GDINING→
23A
The W.N.B.A.'s Dream, on scoreboards (3)
Starts with A, ends with LATL→
24A
Requirement of some dress codes (7)
Starts with S, ends with SSLEEVES→
28A
Tree of life, in Norse mythology (3)
Starts with A, ends with HASH→
29A
Tire meas. (3)
Starts with P, ends with IPSI→
30A
Intimate footage (7)
Starts with S, ends with ESEXTAPE→
31A
Meadow (3)
Starts with L, ends with ALEA→
35A
Big drink (4)
Starts with S, ends with GSWIG→
37A
Unlikeable sorts (5)
Starts with T, ends with STOOLS→
38A
Like a nepo baby's life, perhaps (4)
Starts with C, ends with HCUSH→
41A
Things peddled (5)
Starts with W, ends with SWARES→
43A
B.C. winter hrs. (3)
Starts with P, ends with TPST→
44A
Arizona State city (5)
Starts with T, ends with ETEMPE→
45A
Where Excalibur was forged (6)
Starts with A, ends with NAVALON→
47A
North African fortress (6)
Starts with C, ends with HCASBAH→
48A
Access, as a profitable enterprise (7)
Starts with G, ends with NGETINON→
50A
Potpourri bags (7)
Starts with S, ends with SSACHETS→
51A
Ones no longer in office? (13)
Starts with R, ends with SREMOTEWORKERS→
54A
Puts one's money on the line (9)
Starts with T, ends with TTAKESABET→

Down

1D
Smoothed over, in a way (5)
Starts with P, ends with DPAVED→
2D
Suffix with benz- (3)
Starts with E, ends with EENE→
3D
QB stat: Abbr. (3)
Starts with A, ends with TATT→
4D
Attention to detail (4)
Starts with C, ends with ECARE→
5D
"Totally awesome!" (4)
Starts with E, ends with CEPIC→
6D
Screw or nail, to a Brit (4)
Starts with S, ends with GSHAG→
7D
It's charged (3)
Starts with I, ends with NION→
8D
Texter's ta-ta (3)
Starts with G, ends with GGTG→
9D
"Oppenheimer" director (5)
Starts with N, ends with NNOLAN→
11D
One-of-a-kind figures (13)
Starts with S, ends with SSERIALNUMBERS→
12D
Takes badly? (5)
Starts with L, ends with SLOOTS→
13D
Faculty (5)
Starts with S, ends with ESENSE→
14D
Show appreciation, in a way (4)
Starts with C, ends with PCLAP→
17D
Honorific meaning "elder brother" (4)
Starts with A, ends with AAGHA→
19D
Losing team in the "Miracle on Ice" (4)
Starts with U, ends with RUSSR→
20D
Fold (5)
Starts with P, ends with TPLEAT→
21D
Govt. divisions (5)
Starts with D, ends with SDEPTS→
22D
"That's clear now" (4)
Starts with I, ends with EISEE→
25D
Many a private investigator (5)
Starts with E, ends with PEXCOP→
26D
Community spirit (5)
Starts with E, ends with SETHOS→
27D
Gymnastics event (5)
Starts with V, ends with TVAULT→
33D
Minor issue? (8)
Starts with A, ends with TAGELIMIT→
34D
Greenland expanse (8)
Starts with I, ends with TICESHEET→
35D
Stylish confidence (4)
Starts with S, ends with GSWAG→
36D
Show indecision (5)
Starts with W, ends with RWAVER→
39D
Short rows (5)
Starts with S, ends with SSPATS→
40D
Nervous laughs (4)
Starts with H, ends with SHEHS→
42D
County next to Napa (6)
Starts with S, ends with ASONOMA→
44D
Take on, or take down (6)
Starts with T, ends with ETACKLE→
46D
Violating the rules (5)
Starts with N, ends with KNOTOK→
47D
Beer brand from Trinidad and Tobago (5)
Starts with C, ends with BCARIB→
49D
Goose named for its call (4)
Starts with N, ends with ENENE→
50D
Buckwheat noodle (4)
Starts with S, ends with ASOBA→
52D
Maryland governor Moore (3)
Starts with W, ends with SWES→

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 14, 2026?+

63 clues: 28 Across and 35 Down. The puzzle was constructed by David Karp and edited by Will Shortz.

What are some answers in today’s NYT Crossword?+

For example: It's made with two fingers (PEACESIGN); They're often taken in December (SANTAPHOTOS); Features of many romantic dramas (LOVETRIANGLES).

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.

Today’s other puzzle answers

NYT Crossword guides