Our USA Today Crossword Hints for February 16, 2026 puzzle will help you move through the grid if you’ve found yourself stuck on a 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 Hints, February 16, 2026
You’ll find hints for all of the crossword clues for the USA Today Crossword on 2/16/26. The clues are listed below, and you can click/tap on a clue to go to its page for more detail, including definitions, but if you don’t want to be immediately spoiled, you can reveal letter by letter to still offer yourself more of a challenge before revealing the full solution.
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1A. In the thick of
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5A. Box-office failure
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9A. Ladies
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13A. Like takeout orders
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14A. Polynesian Disney heroine
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15A. Soothing lotion additive
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16A. Italy's shape
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17A. Bandmate of Simon and Theodore
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18A. "Royal" nuisance
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19A. Perform like Yasmin Finney
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20A. NBC sketch show since 1975
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21A. "I'm supposed to care because . . .?"
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23A. Written gratitude from a gift recipient
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26A. Elf's creation
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27A. Humorously ironic
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28A. Colorful, long-tailed parrot
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32A. 'That was a close one!'
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34A. Friendly squeeze
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35A. Seldom-seen
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36A. Reason for some R ratings
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37A. Flexible ruler that can retract
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41A. Shrinking superhero
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43A. ___-care day
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44A. Turf
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45A. Sacred bird
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47A. Deliberately avoids
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49A. Specific way to express oneself
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53A. South American barbecue
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54A. Perfectly fine
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55A. Speak formally
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59A. NBA star Westbrook, for short
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60A. Opera star's solo
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61A. Cow's milk source
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62A. Meaty spread
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63A. "Hey, you! Yes, you!"
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64A. Signs of joy at medal ceremonies
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65A. Shutter strip
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66A. Tarantulas or rats, maybe
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67A. PS5-TV connection cable
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1D. Opportunity for Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
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2D. Human sponge
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3D. Suspenseful "Love Island" exclamation
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4D. 50% of an umlaut
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5D. Post-op appointment
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6D. Loo
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7D. Like dopiaza and musakhan
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8D. Japanese breadcrumbs
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9D. Academic hiatuses
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10D. Egyptian novelist ___ Al Aswany
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11D. Tender cut of beef
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12D. Drop in the mail
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14D. Lots of
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20D. Chicago WNBA team
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22D. Convenience at a cash bar
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24D. "ASAP!"
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25D. Strong desires
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29D. Protester's passion
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30D. Projectile that's nocked
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31D. Undesirable plants
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32D. "The More You Know" installment
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33D. Female lobster or chicken
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34D. "The Crown Ain't Worth Much" poet Abdurraqib
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37D. Social no-no
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38D. Small mongooses
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39D. "Frozen" princess
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40D. Only NFL division with multiple teams that have never been to the Super Bowl
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42D. Way of thinking
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46D. Thinly distributed
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48D. Brought together, like livestock
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49D. Baseball diamond coverings
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50D. Regular
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51D. Follower of Jah
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52D. Raise
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56D. Bobsledder Ammour
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57D. "Spy Kids" actress Hatcher
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58D. Surgical sites, for short
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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.
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