USA Today Crossword February 16 2026 Answers (2/16/26)

Our USA Today Crossword February 16, 2026 answers guide should help you finish today’s crossword if you’ve found yourself stuck on a crossword clue. USA Today Crossword is a popular daily puzzle that tests the player’s vocabulary, spelling, and general knowledge skills. The puzzle is available in print and digital format and is enjoyed by people of all ages. The clues can range from easy to challenging and the player must use their critical thinking abilities to solve the puzzle. It is a great way to pass the time and challenge oneself.

USA Today Crossword February 16, 2026 Answers

If you need help solving the USA Today Crossword on 2/16/26, we’ve listed all of the crossword clues below so you can find the answer(s) you need. You can search for the clue and then select the appropriate clue to get the answer. We have done it this way so that if you’re just looking for a handful of clues, you won’t spoil other ones you’re working on!

Looking for answers to another USA Today Crossword puzzle? Check out our archive of USA Today Crossword Answers.

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#	Clue
1A	In the thick of
5A	Box office failure
9A	Ladies
13A	Like takeout orders
14A	Polynesian Disney heroine
15A	Soothing lotion additive
16A	Italy's shape
17A	Bandmate of Simon and Theodore
18A	"Royal" nuisance
19A	Perform like Yasmin Finney
20A	NBC sketch show since 1975
21A	"I'm supposed to care because . . .?"
23A	Written gratitude from a gift recipient
26A	Elf's creation
27A	Humorously ironic
28A	Colorful, long-tailed parrot
32A	"That was a close one!"
34A	Friendly squeeze
35A	Seldom seen
36A	Reason for some R ratings
37A	Flexible ruler that can retract
41A	Shrinking superhero
43A	___-care day
44A	Turf
45A	Sacred bird
47A	Deliberately avoids
49A	Specific way to express oneself
53A	South American barbecue
54A	Perfectly fine
55A	Speak formally
59A	NBA star Westbrook, for short
60A	Opera star's solo
61A	Cow's milk source
62A	Meaty spread
63A	"Hey, you! Yes, you!"
64A	Signs of joy at medal ceremonies
65A	Shutter strip
66A	Tarantulas or rats, maybe
67A	PS5-TV connection cable
1D	Opportunity for Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
2D	Human sponge
3D	Suspenseful "Love Island" exclamation
4D	50% of an umlaut
5D	Post-op appointment
6D	Loo
7D	Like dopiaza and musakhan
8D	Japanese breadcrumbs
9D	Academic hiatuses
10D	Egyptian novelist ___ Al Aswany
11D	"Tender" cut of beef
12D	Drop in the mail
14D	Lots of
20D	Chicago WNBA team
22D	Convenience at a cash bar
24D	"ASAP!"
25D	Strong desires
29D	Protester's passion
30D	Projectile that's nocked
31D	Undesirable plants
32D	"The More You Know" installment
33D	Female lobster or chicken
34D	"The Crown Ain't Worth Much" poet Abdurraqib
37D	Social no-no
38D	Small mongooses
39D	"Frozen" princess
40D	Only NFL division with multiple teams that have never been to the Super Bowl
42D	Way of thinking
46D	Thinly distributed
48D	Brought together, like livestock
49D	Baseball diamond coverings
50D	Regular
51D	Follower of Jah
52D	Raise
56D	Bobsledder Ammour
57D	"Spy Kids" actress Hatcher
58D	Surgical sites, for short
60D	Shazam or 5 Calls, e.g.

The USA Today Crossword is a daily crossword puzzle that is published in the USA Today newspaper and on its website. The puzzle is known for its contemporary and pop culture references, as well as its accessibility to solvers of all skill levels.

The USA Today Crossword was first introduced in 2002, and has since become a popular source of entertainment and mental stimulation for crossword enthusiasts of all ages. The puzzle is created by a team of experienced crossword constructors, who are known for their creativity and skill in the field of crossword puzzles.

One of the unique features of the USA Today Crossword is its use of a non-standard grid, which can include circles or other shapes. This can make the puzzle even more challenging and interesting to solve. The puzzle also includes a variety of themed sections, which can add an extra layer of complexity to the solving experience.

If you’ve enjoyed this crossword, consider playing one of the other popular crosswords we cover, including: New York Times Crossword (and Mini), Daily Themed Crossword (and Mini), LA Times Crossword, and WSJ Crossword.