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Constructor Spotlight: Rena Cohen
This month we are featuring our youngest constructor yet – WashU student Rena Cohen (she/her). Rena is studying psychology, Spanish, and applied linguistics, and she’s originally from Bloomington, IN.
Rena! Thanks so much for letting us feature you in our Constructor Spotlight. You’re the youngest constructor we’ve featured so far! Will you tell us more about your undergrad studies and any career goals?
I’m still exploring my career options. I’ve always been interested in learning about how our brains work – especially when it comes to language, language learning, and puzzles. I am very much a planner, so I would love to have a definitive career path to share here, but I’ll just have to see where my interests take me.
You have plenty of time! You’re also involved with crosswords at Washington University, correct?
Yes, I co-founded a daily mini crossword as a freshman. It runs in the university’s newspaper, Student Life, and I am the editor of StudLife crosswords. If anyone is interested, they can read about StudLife crosswords in this article:
I care a lot about introducing other students to the world of crosswords and teaching them the basics of construction. My dream is to someday get a full-sized crossword published by my club, JASA-style. (Here’s a NYT article where you can learn more about JASA).
Crosswords have provided me with a wonderful community of fellow wordplay lovers here at WashU. Prior to starting the club, crosswords were always a solo thing for me. I love sharing my passion with other people my age and making an impact on campus through our puzzles.
How did you get into crosswords?
I’ve always loved puzzles and word games. I submitted my first puzzle to the Times at age nine after my dad took me to see Will Shortz give a talk at IU. Looking back, that initial submission had a long way to go, but the editors were incredibly encouraging and supportive.
At the time, Daniel Larsen held the record of being the youngest constructor ever published in the NYT – he also happened to be from Bloomington and was two grades ahead of me! For a while, I wanted to beat his record. It ended up taking me quite a bit longer, but after years of rejections, I started having some success with puzzles in the LAT and USA Today.
And now you’ve had seven puzzles in the NYT (in just over a year!), and you are constructing a puzzle for the ACPT. Can you give us a glimpse into creating a puzzle for the largest crossword tournament in the country? (Don’t worry – no spoilers!)
My ACPT puzzle was originally accepted to the New York Times as a daily puzzle, and I was honored to have it be repurposed for ACPT. It feels a little surreal seeing my name next to so many highly regarded constructors.
Over the years, I’ve gotten to know a lot of people in the crossword world, but I’ve met very few of them in person. This will be my first year attending ACPT, and I’m very excited to meet other constructors and crossword enthusiasts.
I can’t wait to solve it! Besides the NYT, where are you published?
I’m published in the Los Angeles Times, Apple News+, Universal, Science News, and more.
Did you have a mentor?
I connected with Kate Chin Park at the end of 2021 through the Crossword Puzzle Collaboration Directory. She has been an invaluable resource for me, especially early on. She guided me through mastering the basics, and to this day she’s always willing to look at any theme ideas I have, which I’m very grateful for.
In spring 2024, I participated in the NYT DCC Fellowship. I primarily worked with Christina Iverson, who mentored me through the process of making my first NYT puzzle. Even after the fellowship, she has generously continued to give me guidance and feedback on puzzles. The fellowship was such a cool experience overall – getting to work with Christina and the other NYT editors felt like a dream come true.
How do you come up with your constructing ideas?
I wish I had a formula for how to make inspiration strike! I see wordplay as a lens through which you can see the world. If I search for a theme for long enough, I start to see connections between words and phrases that I didn’t before. This doesn’t always happen quickly, and sometimes ideas occur to me when I least expect it.
What kinds of connections are you looking for? How do you know when something has potential?
It’s different every time! Sometimes, it feels like a sudden burst of inspiration, and by the end of the night I have a full theme set. Other times, I’ll have phrases that felt like they had potential sitting in my notes app for months that never quite evolve into anything.
Outside of crosswords, I love language translation, and some crosswords feel like translating a concept into crossword form (like my NYT debut, POLYGRAPH). For other puzzles, it’s all about unexpected groupings – like pretzel shapes (9/2/25, NYT), which was inspired by the ampersand-shaped pretzels they handed out during freshman orientation! Sometimes it’s about listening for interesting phonetics or double meanings.
It sounds like you have an ear (or an eye) for themes. Is that your favorite type of crossword to construct?
Yes – themed puzzles all the way! I’ve dabbled in themeless construction, but to me, there’s nothing as satisfying as figuring out a perfect theme set. Coming up with a new theme feels like you are uncovering a hidden connection in the world.
I also try to infuse my puzzles with references that other people my age will understand. In the past, I’ve heard peers say they think crosswords are too hard or just aren’t for them, but I am determined to show them that crosswords can be for anybody.
Share some of your greatest hits with us!
I am really proud of the themes in my NYT debut (10/3/24) and in my first NYT Sunday (1/18/26). I am also proud of my first LAT puzzle’s EGO BOOSTS theme (3/31/23) – it’s such a pleasant theme, and I always want to embed positive references in my puzzles to leave solvers feeling happy.
Any favorite clues?
Here are a couple new takes on common words I was proud of:
- [Cookies that can illustrate phases of the moon] for OREOS
- [Molecule that might be modeled with Twizzlers and gummies in biology class] for DNA
And a personal reference I was happy to include in my Family Game Night NYT bonus puzzle:
- [Midwest city that hosts Gen Con (the largest tabletop game convention in North America), familiarly] for INDY.
What advice do you have for new constructions?
I truly believe that anyone can learn how to construct a crossword puzzle. The best thing you can do is solve other puzzles. It’s also incredibly helpful to find a mentor. In my experience, crossword constructors are very generous with their time, and having a crossword community makes the whole process much more meaningful.
Any advice you received that stuck with you?
Early in my crossword journey, I sent a grid to Kate Chin Park with a number of standout words I was really excited about. At the time, I was willing to ignore the weak fill in the rest of the grid (EOE, SAE, and DRYS, to name a few). She gave me the advice that your puzzle is only as good as its weakest words. From that point on, I started holding my grids to much higher standards, which made a big difference in my development as a constructor.
What do you like to do when you’re not crossword-ing?
I love spending time with friends and family, going on walks, and (of course) all sorts of puzzles and word games. I started my first 5,000-piece jigsaw puzzle over the summer and almost finished it before going back to school. My family was kind enough to let it take up the dining room table all fall so I could finish it over winter break.
Another long-term passion of mine is Spanish and working with Spanish-speaking immigrant communities. I first got involved when I was 12 as a welcome host for a Venezuelan girl my age. This experience inspired an extensive Spanish-learning journey, and amidst continued involvement in the Spanish-speaking community I became fully English/Spanish bilingual.
In high school, I interned with the City of Bloomington’s Latino Outreach Division – a role I found extremely meaningful. I translated for clients, volunteered at food bank events in Spanish-speaking neighborhoods, and organized our annual Holiday Assistance Program.
When I was a senior applying to college, I realized our district had very few Spanish-language resources about the process. I decided to create a Spanish-language guide to the college application process that we were able to send out to our district’s high schools and publish on our website. This project was super meaningful for me, as I felt I was able to use all my years of learning Spanish to help fill a gap in our community.
In college I’ve continued to pursue this passion through getting involved with the International Institute in St. Louis and volunteering at adult ESL classes.
What role do you hope Spanish will play in your future? Do you see any room for it in your crossword life?
I would love to explore creating Spanish crosswords or other Spanish word games! I don’t currently have a Spanish-language wordlist (though I am on the lookout for one), but expanding Spanish-language puzzle offerings is certainly a future goal of mine. There is a word for crosswords in Spanish – crucigramas – but I’ve found that crosswords aren’t as much of a cultural phenomenon in Spanish-speaking countries as they are in the U.S. – at least for now!
Rapid-Fire Round:
Project(s) to shout out:
My WashU crossword page (games.studlife.com) and some upcoming midi crosswords in the NYT!
Constructing or solving?
Solving for relaxation. Constructing for a satisfying brain workout.
Go-to emoji?
😅
Favorite food?
I love pesto pasta, poke bowls, and all sorts of salads. Ice cream is my go-to dessert.
Favorite Spanish media?Podcasts: “Radio Ambulante” – and “Hola Bloomington,” our local Spanish-language podcast (I’ve been a guest a few times!)
TV: A couple of Netflix series I’ve enjoyed recently are Machos Alfa and Paquita Salas. People always ask me if I’ve seen Money Heist. I saw a season of it, but it’s too tense for my taste!
😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅
This interview has been edited and condensed.
Jess Rucks is a crossword constructor and play therapist. She is delighted to combine her love of learning about others with her love of crosswords for DCL’s Constructor Spotlight.
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Saturday, February 28, 2026
Black Crossword: Mini by Juliana Pache.
Club 72: Freestyle 1093: “You haven’t seen the last of me.” by Tim Croce. .pdf, .puz only
Jeff’s Puzzles: Themeless 123 by Jeff Linder.
Luckystreak+: ($) puzzle #258.5: does it matter? (themeless) by Ada Nicolle. Subscribe at link.
Queerty: Queerty Crossword #506 by Queerty.
Southern Crosswords: southern crosswords mini #141 by michael.
Apple News: ($) Freestyle by Rafael Musa and August Miller. News+ Subscription Required
Apple News Mini: ($) Daily Mini by Erik Agard. News+ Subscription Required
The Atlantic: by Amanda Rafkin; edited by Kelsey Dixon.
The Chicago Maroon: Mini by Chicago Maroon Crossword Team.
Chicago Sun-Times: Chicago-Style (Mini) Crossword by Kelsey Dixon.
Crossword Club: Daily Crossword by Will Nediger.
Crossword Flow: ($) by Rafael Musa. iPad-exclusive app.
Matt Gaffney’s Weekly Crossword Contest: ($) MGWCC #926 – “Name Game” (Meta) by Matt Gaffney. Subscribe at Patreon.
Morning Brew: Getting Cute by Jack Murtagh.
Puzzmo: I’m Stuffed! by Olivia Mitra Framke. Online only
Puzzmo: Mini Crossword by Rob Dubbin. Online only
Reason: Turbo Taxes by Stella Zawistowski.
Spyscape: Mad Tea Party by Bryant White.
Tales From The Cryptic: Non-cryptic alert! it’s an Off-Off-Brand Stumper by Bob Weisz. .pdf, online only
The Walrus: Sending Thoughts by Emma Lawson.The Boston Globe: Mini Crossword by Sowmya Ramkumar.
The Globe and Mail: Globe Mini by Jess Shulman.
Los Angeles Times: by Zhou Zhang & Rafael Musa. Create free Cruciverb account for .puz.
Los Angeles Times Mini: by Elizabeth Gorski.
Merriam Webster: The Missing Letter by Matt Gaffney
New York Magazine: Golden Glider by Matt Gaffney.
New York Sun: ($) Extra Points by Jim Hyres. Reissues from 2008.
New York Times: ($) by Adam Levav.
New York Times Midi: “Philly Special” by Ian Livengood.
New York Times Mini: by Sam Ezersky.
Newsday: Saturday Stumper by Anna Stiga. Online .pdf
Universal: ($) Universal Freestyle 213 by Greg Snitkin. Direct link to .puz.
USA Today: Not a Chance! by Ricky Sirois.
Vox: Go Figure by Andrew J. Ries.
The Wall Street Journal: C-Notes by Mike Shenk. Direct link to .puz.Crosshare Community: Daily Mini and Featured Puzzles.
Crossherd: Daily Mini. Online only
Crosswordr Community: Community Puzzle Platform.
Crosswords with Friends: Smartypants Saturday App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Midi Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Mini Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Daily POP Crosswords: by Janice Luttrell. App Store | Google Play, Online, phone app only
India Mini Crossword: Daily Mini
LunaMini: Daily Mini by Luna. Online only
Mangesh Ghogre’s Indian Mini Crosswords: Daily Mini by Mangesh Ghogre.
The New Dork Times: New Dork Times Puzzle: Mini 204 by Cole Rush. Subscribe at link.
PlayFour: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
Squared Away: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
The Telegraph: Cross Atlantic Online only
Washington Post Daily Mini Meta: by Frank Longo.Darren’s Puzzles: Cryptic Snowflake 2026-02 by Darren Miller.
Sporcle: Daily Acrostic. Online onlyFinancial Times: FT Crossword .pdf only
Financial Times: FT Crossword: Polymath .pdf only
Financial Times: FT Weekend Magazine Crossword .pdf only
Gemelo Cryptic: Cryptic
The Globe and Mail: The Weekender Cryptic by Fraser Simpson
The Hindu Cryptic: Daily Cryptic .pdf, online.
The Independent: Cryptic Crossword .pdf, online only
WSJ Variety: Seven Sages by Patrick Berry. Direct link to .pdf.Check out the DCL’s staff recommendations from last week’s puzzles
Other American-style links:
Reviews and Discussion at Diary of a Crossword Fiend | Boatload Puzzles/AARP | “Crosscord” Discord | Crucidrama (en español) | Cruciverbalista (en español) | Easy Crossword (Newsday Archives) | FreeDailyCrosswords | Medium Crossword (Newsday Archives) | Hard Crossword (Newsday Archives) | r/crossword | USA Today Reviews and Discussion at Off the Grid | Squares.io | XWord-Muggles Meta Calendar
Other Cryptic/Variety links:
A Frame Games | cf.kmbweb.de Links Library | CoxRathvon.com | Harper’s ($) | Lovatts | Magpie ($) | Mokelfish Links Library | MyCrossword | NPL | Panda Magazine ($) | Private Eye | PuzzleCrypt archives | Puzzling StackExchange | r/crosswords | Sydney Morning Herald ($) | The Telegraph | The Times (UK) ($), includes The Listener
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Friday, February 27, 2026
BEQ: Stoned Writings by Brendan Emmett Quigley.
Black Crossword: Mini by Juliana Pache.
Queerty: Queerty Crossword #504 by Queerty.
Southern Crosswords: southern crosswords mini #141 by michael.
Apple News: ($) Within by Zhouqin Burnikel. News+ Subscription Required
Apple News Mini: ($) Daily Mini by Anna Gundlach. News+ Subscription Required
The Atlantic Mini: by Amanda Rafkin; edited by Kelsey Dixon.
The Chicago Maroon: Mini by Chicago Maroon Crossword Team.
The Chicago Maroon: 104\. Save Some Soup for Me! by Carter Otis.
Chicago Sun-Times: Chicago-Style (Mini) Crossword by Kelsey Dixon.
Crossword Club: Daily Crossword: February 27, 2026 by Kelsey Dixon.
Crossword Flow: ($) For My Next Trick by Sally Hoelscher. iPad-exclusive app.
People Puzzler: Neighborhood Favorite by Patrick Merrell.
Puzzmo: I Choose/See You by brooke. Online only
Puzzmo: Mini Crossword by Rob Dubbin. Online only
SFGATE California Mini Crossword: Mini Crossword by Enrique. Online only.
Slate: Slate Midi: Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 by Quiara Vasquez.
Slate: Slate Midi: Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 by Quiara Vasquez.
STAT News: Mini Crossword by Rachel Fabi.
Vulture 10×10: The Slasher Puzzle by Stella Zawistowski.
Vulture 10×10: The Legacy Puzzle by Malaika Handa.The Boston Globe: Mini Crossword by Sowmya Ramkumar.
The Globe and Mail: Globe Mini by Jess Shulman.
Los Angeles Times: by Sara Muchnick & Doug Peterson. Create free Cruciverb account for .puz.
Los Angeles Times Mini: by Elizabeth Gorski.
Merriam Webster: The Missing Letter by Matt Gaffney
New York Sun: ($) Feathered Friends by Michael Wiesenberg. Reissues from 2008.
New York Times: ($) by Caroline Hand.
New York Times Midi: by Erik Agard.
New York Times Mini: by Joel Fagliano.
The New Yorker Mini: by Kate Chin Park.
Newsday: 2/27/26 See 68-Across by Guilherme Gilioli. Online .pdf
Universal: ($) Do the Math by Patrick Maher. Direct link to .puz.
USA Today: High School by Olivia Mitra Framke & Sally Hoelscher.
Vox: by Andrew J. Ries.
The Wall Street Journal: Hidden Resource by Matt Gaffney. Direct link to .puz.Crosshare Community: Daily Mini and Featured Puzzles.
Crossherd: Daily Mini. Online only
Crosswordr Community: Community Puzzle Platform.
Crosswords with Friends: Sports Fan Friday App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Midi Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Mini Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Daily POP Crosswords: by Robin Stears. App Store | Google Play, Online, phone app only
Duke Chronicle: Varsity Letters by Adam Levine.
Fast Company: Daily Mini by Joe Rodini.
Fordham Observer: Friday, February 27 (Mini) by Jasmine White.
India Mini Crossword: Daily Mini
LunaMini: Daily Mini by Luna. Online only
Mangesh Ghogre’s Indian Mini Crosswords: Daily Mini by Mangesh Ghogre.
PlayFour: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
Squared Away: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
The Telegraph: Cross Atlantic Online only
The Times Ponder: ($) Weekly Puzzle. .pdf, online only
Washington Post Daily Mini Meta: by Frank Longo.
WashU Student Life: Reading Rainbow by Morgan Egelston.
YourPuzzleSource: Daily Puzzle (Midi) by Phil Fraas.Out Of Left Field: ($) #309 by Joshua Kosman & Henri Picciotto. Patreon subscription.
Sporcle: Daily Acrostic. Online onlyFinancial Times: FT Crossword .pdf only
The Guardian: Cryptic crossword No 29,941 by Qaos.
The Hindu Cryptic: Daily Cryptic .pdf, online.
The Independent: Cryptic Crossword .pdf, online only
Times UK Quick Cryptic: Daily Puzzle via The Globe and MailCheck out the DCL’s staff recommendations from last week’s puzzles
Other American-style links:
Reviews and Discussion at Diary of a Crossword Fiend | Boatload Puzzles/AARP | “Crosscord” Discord | Crucidrama (en español) | Cruciverbalista (en español) | Easy Crossword (Newsday Archives) | FreeDailyCrosswords | Medium Crossword (Newsday Archives) | Hard Crossword (Newsday Archives) | r/crossword | USA Today Reviews and Discussion at Off the Grid | Squares.io | XWord-Muggles Meta Calendar
Other Cryptic/Variety links:
A Frame Games | cf.kmbweb.de Links Library | CoxRathvon.com | Harper’s ($) | Lovatts | Magpie ($) | Mokelfish Links Library | MyCrossword | NPL | Panda Magazine ($) | Private Eye | PuzzleCrypt archives | Puzzling StackExchange | r/crosswords | Sydney Morning Herald ($) | The Telegraph | The Times (UK) ($), includes The Listener
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Thursday, February 26, 2026
Black Crossword: Mini by Juliana Pache.
M & M Crosswords: Old Wives by Martina Waluk.
Queerty: Queerty Crossword #503 by Queerty.
Quid Pro: The GenXword Mini 2/26/26 #tbt by Andrew Anker. Online at Crosswordr.
Southern Crosswords: southern crosswords #139 by michael.
Souvenir Puzzles: Again they choose as their enemy: the world (acrostic) by Nir Shtuhl.
Apple News: ($) Freestyle by Will Angel Chen Miller. News+ Subscription Required
Apple News Mini: ($) Daily Mini by Amie Walker. News+ Subscription Required
The Atlantic Mini: by Amanda Rafkin; edited by Kelsey Dixon.
The Chicago Maroon: Mini by Chicago Maroon Crossword Team.
The Chicago Maroon: Mini by Chicago Maroon Crossword Team.
Chicago Sun-Times: Chicago-Style (Mini) Crossword by Kelsey Dixon.
Crossword Club: Daily Crossword: February 26, 2026 by Erica Hsiung Wojcik.
Crossword Flow: ($) Now You Sea Me, Now You Don’t by Jess Rucks. iPad-exclusive app.
Daily Beast: Fifty-Fiving and Thriving, Thurs. Feb. 26, 2026 by Matt Gaffmey.
Fireball: ($) Themeless 185 by Peter Gordon. Subscribe at link.
Jonesin’: Free Ticket by Matt Jones. Direct .puz link
Morning Brew: Brew Mini: Tilde by Jack Murtagh.
Puzzmo: Ghosts in the Machine by kangareuben. Online only
Puzzmo: Mini Crossword by Rob Dubbin. Online only
SFGATE California Mini Crossword: Mini Crossword by Kate Hawkins. Online only.
Slate: Slate Midi: Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 by Chandi Deitmer.
Slate: Slate Midi: Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 by Nate Cardin.
STAT News: Mini Crossword by Rachel Fabi.
Vulture 10×10: The Legacy Puzzle by Malaika Handa.The Boston Globe: Mini Crossword by Sowmya Ramkumar.
The Globe and Mail: Globe Mini by Jess Shulman.
Los Angeles Times: by Patti Varol. Create free Cruciverb account for .puz.
Los Angeles Times Mini: by Elizabeth Gorski.
Merriam Webster: The Missing Letter by Matt Gaffney
New York Sun: ($) Warrior by Brendan Emmett Quigley. Reissues from 2008.
New York Times: ($) by Yitzi Snow.
New York Times Midi: by Rena Cohen.
New York Times Mini: by Joel Fagliano.
The New Yorker Mini: The Mini Crossword: Thursday, February 26, 2026 by Mollie Cowger.
Newsday: 2/26/26 Leading Characters by Mark McClain. Online .pdf
Universal: ($) Remember This by Beth Rubin and Will Nediger. Direct link to .puz.
USA Today: Middle School by Sally Hoelscher & Olivia Mitra Framke.
Vox: by Will Nediger.
The Wall Street Journal: Buying on Margin by Mike Graczyk & Jeff Chen. Direct link to .puz.The Columbia Spectator: Brains and Brønsteds by Olivia Barbieri.
Crosshare Community: Daily Mini and Featured Puzzles.
Crossherd: Daily Mini. Online only
Crosswordr Community: Community Puzzle Platform.
Crosswords with Friends: Top 40 Thursday App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Midi Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Mini Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Daily POP Crosswords: by Janice Luttrell. App Store | Google Play, Online, phone app only
Fast Company: Daily Mini by Joe Rodini.
Fordham Observer: Thursday, February 26 (Mini) by Jasmine White.
Fordham Observer: Wednesday, February 25 (Mini) by Jasmine White.
India Mini Crossword: Daily Mini
LunaMini: Daily Mini by Luna. Online only
Mangesh Ghogre’s Indian Mini Crosswords: Daily Mini by Mangesh Ghogre.
The New Dork Times: New Dork Times Puzzle: Mini 203 by Cole Rush. Subscribe at link.
PlayFour: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
Squared Away: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
The Telegraph: Cross Atlantic Online only
Washington Post Daily Mini Meta: by Frank Longo.
WashU Student Life: 5D Chess by Gus Lookingbill.
YourPuzzleSource: Daily Puzzle (Midi) by Phil Fraas.Aries Puzzles: Aries Acrostic #6 by Andrew J. Ries.
The Crossword Centre: March 2026 Round Robin XVIII by Derek Harrison .pdf only
Crossword Nexus: ($) Disaster Planning (Acrostic) by Alex Boisvert. Patreon Subscription.
Sporcle: Daily Acrostic. Online onlyFinancial Times: FT Crossword .pdf only
The Guardian: Cryptic crossword No 29,940 by Paul.
The Hindu Cryptic: Daily Cryptic .pdf, online.
The Independent: Cryptic Crossword .pdf, online only
New Scientist: ($) Biweekly Cryptic Subscribe at link.
The Spectator: ($) Weekly Cryptic Subscribe at link.
Times UK Quick Cryptic: Daily Puzzle via The Globe and MailCheck out the DCL’s staff recommendations from last week’s puzzles
Other American-style links:
Reviews and Discussion at Diary of a Crossword Fiend | Boatload Puzzles/AARP | “Crosscord” Discord | Crucidrama (en español) | Cruciverbalista (en español) | Easy Crossword (Newsday Archives) | FreeDailyCrosswords | Medium Crossword (Newsday Archives) | Hard Crossword (Newsday Archives) | r/crossword | USA Today Reviews and Discussion at Off the Grid | Squares.io | XWord-Muggles Meta Calendar
Other Cryptic/Variety links:
A Frame Games | cf.kmbweb.de Links Library | CoxRathvon.com | Harper’s ($) | Lovatts | Magpie ($) | Mokelfish Links Library | MyCrossword | NPL | Panda Magazine ($) | Private Eye | PuzzleCrypt archives | Puzzling StackExchange | r/crosswords | Sydney Morning Herald ($) | The Telegraph | The Times (UK) ($), includes The Listener
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Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Black Crossword: Mini by Juliana Pache.
Club 72: Freestyle 1092: “I’ll be right by your side.” by Tim Croce. .pdf, .puz only
Queerty: Queerty Crossword #502 by Queerty.
Southern Crosswords: southern crosswords mini #138 by michael.
Apple News: ($) Fabric Samples by Nate Cardin. News+ Subscription Required
Apple News Mini: ($) Daily Mini by Parker Higgins. News+ Subscription Required
The Atlantic Mini: by Amanda Rafkin; edited by Kelsey Dixon.
AVCX: ($) Leaves a Legacy by Geoffrey Schorkopf and Amie Walker. Subscribe at link.
Chicago Sun-Times: Chicago-Style (Mini) Crossword by Kelsey Dixon.
Crossword Club: Daily Crossword: February 25, 2026 by Kate Chin Park.
Crossword Club: Fowl Play by Trent H. Evans.
Crossword Flow: ($) Absolute Cinema by Brian Callahan. iPad-exclusive app.
Daily Beast: Night on the Town, Weds. Feb. 25, 2026 by Matt Gaffney.
MEOW: Weekly Meta
People Puzzler: Comedian and Online Darling by Shannon Rapp.
Puzzmo: Just for Kicks by Alex Eaton-Salners. Online only
Puzzmo: Mini Crossword by Rob Dubbin. Online only
SFGATE California Mini Crossword: Mini Crossword by Doug Peterson. Online only.
Slate: Slate Midi: Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 by Quiara Vasquez.
Slate: Slate Mini: Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 by Kavin Pawittranon.
STAT News: Mini Crossword by Rachel Fabi.
Vulture 10×10: The Fiji Puzzle by Stella Zawistowski.The Boston Globe: Mini Crossword by Sowmya Ramkumar.
The Globe and Mail: Globe Mini by Jess Shulman.
Los Angeles Times: by Brian Callahan. Create free Cruciverb account for .puz.
Los Angeles Times Mini: by Elizabeth Gorski.
Merriam Webster: The Missing Letter by Matt Gaffney
New York Sun: ($) Double Down by Joe DiPietro. Reissues from 2008.
New York Times: ($) by Brad Lively.
New York Times Mini: by Ian Livengood.
The New Yorker: Wednesday Crossword by Robyn Weintraub.
Newsday: 2/25/26 Get-Togethers by Prasanna Keshava. Online .pdf
Universal: ($) More of the Same by David Steinberg. Direct link to .puz.
USA Today: Preschool by Sally Hoelscher & Olivia Mitra Framke.
Vox: by Adesina O. Koiki.
The Wall Street Journal: Going Halfsies by Alexander Liebeskind. Direct link to .puz.Crosshare Community: Daily Mini and Featured Puzzles.
Crossherd: Daily Mini. Online only
Crosswordr Community: Community Puzzle Platform.
Crosswords with Friends: Wayback Wednesday App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Midi Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Mini Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Daily POP Crosswords: by Mark McClain. App Store | Google Play, Online, phone app only
Duke Chronicle: Mini Crossword 206 (2/25/26) by Aidan Collins.
Fast Company: Daily Mini by Joe Rodini.
India Mini Crossword: Daily Mini
LunaMini: Daily Mini by Luna. Online only
Mangesh Ghogre’s Indian Mini Crosswords: Daily Mini by Mangesh Ghogre.
PlayFour: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
The Rice Thresher: If You Like Piña Coladas by Ava McClung.
Squared Away: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
The Telegraph: Cross Atlantic Online only
Washington Post Daily Mini Meta: by Frank Longo.
WashU Student Life: Beltway by Naomika Raveendran.
YourPuzzleSource: Daily Puzzle (Midi) by Phil Fraas.Ben’s Cryptic Crosswords: Wink Nudge by Ben Robinson Online only
Outside The Fox: ($) Touchwords by Grant Fikes. Subscribe at link.
The Rackenfracker: Settling Scores by The Rackenfracker. Available format varies by puzzle
Sporcle: Daily Acrostic. Online onlyFinancial Times: FT Crossword .pdf only
The Guardian: Cryptic crossword No 29,939 by Anto.
The Hindu Cryptic: Daily Cryptic .pdf, online.
The Independent: Cryptic Crossword .pdf, online only
Times UK Quick Cryptic: Daily Puzzle via The Globe and MailCheck out the DCL’s staff recommendations from last week’s puzzles
Other American-style links:
Reviews and Discussion at Diary of a Crossword Fiend | Boatload Puzzles/AARP | “Crosscord” Discord | Crucidrama (en español) | Cruciverbalista (en español) | Easy Crossword (Newsday Archives) | FreeDailyCrosswords | Medium Crossword (Newsday Archives) | Hard Crossword (Newsday Archives) | r/crossword | USA Today Reviews and Discussion at Off the Grid | Squares.io | XWord-Muggles Meta Calendar
Other Cryptic/Variety links:
A Frame Games | cf.kmbweb.de Links Library | CoxRathvon.com | Harper’s ($) | Lovatts | Magpie ($) | Mokelfish Links Library | MyCrossword | NPL | Panda Magazine ($) | Private Eye | PuzzleCrypt archives | Puzzling StackExchange | r/crosswords | Sydney Morning Herald ($) | The Telegraph | The Times (UK) ($), includes The Listener
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Tuesday, February 24, 2026
BEQ: Themeless Monday #865 by Brendan Emmett Quigley.
Black Crossword: Mini by Juliana Pache.
Luckystreak+: ($) puzzle #258: sup? (themeless) by Ada Nicolle. Subscribe at link.
LuterCross: PUZZLE 246 by Matthew Luter.
Queerty: Queerty Crossword #501 by Queerty.
Southern Crosswords: southern crosswords mini #137 by michael.
Apple News: ($) Freestyle by Sanjay Rao. News+ Subscription Required
Apple News Mini: ($) Daily Mini by Amie Walker. News+ Subscription Required
The Atlantic Mini: by Amanda Rafkin; edited by Kelsey Dixon.
The Chicago Maroon: Mini by Chicago Maroon Crossword Team.
Chicago Sun-Times: Chicago-Style (Mini) Crossword by Kelsey Dixon.
Crossword Club: Daily Crossword: February 24, 2026 by Ada Nicolle.
Crossword Flow: ($) Stealth by Will Eisenberg. iPad-exclusive app.
Daily Beast: Back in Black, Tues. Feb. 24, 2026 by Matt Gaffney.
Defector: ($) The Crossword, Feb. 23: It’s An Art, Not A Science (Themeless) by Kelsey Dixon and Alex Boisvert. Subscribe at link.
Lil AVCX: ($) A Polar Bear Is Looking at You by Katja Brinck. Subscribe at link.
Metas On A Tuesday: Weekly Meta
Morning Brew: Brew Mini: Colorful characters by Jack Murtagh.
Puzzmo: Bodies of Water by Doug Peterson. Online only
Puzzmo: Mini Crossword by Rob Dubbin. Online only
SFGATE California Mini Crossword: Mini Crossword by Rebecca Goldstein. Online only.
Slate: Slate Midi: Monday, Feb. 23, 2026 by Tim Croce.
Slate: Slate Mini: Monday, Feb. 23, 2026 by Kiran Pandey.
STAT News: Mini Crossword by Rachel Fabi.
Vulture 10×10: The Renaissance Puzzle by Stella Zawistowski.The Boston Globe: Mini Crossword by Sowmya Ramkumar.
The Globe and Mail: Globe Mini by Jess Shulman.
Los Angeles Times: by Matthew Luter. Create free Cruciverb account for .puz.
Los Angeles Times Mini: by Elizabeth Gorski.
Merriam Webster: The Missing Letter by Matt Gaffney
New York Sun: ($) Bury the Hatchet by Randall J. Hartman. Reissues from 2008.
New York Times: ($) by Adam Aaronson.
New York Times Mini: by Christina Iverson.
The New Yorker: The Crossword: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 by Paolo Pasco.
Newsday: 2/24/26 Cool Desserts by Billie Truitt. Online .pdf
Universal: ($) Up Top! by Rena Cohen. Direct link to .puz.
USA Today: Coed Housing by Michael Drusedum & Jason Reuben.
Vox: by Juliana Tringali Golden
The Wall Street Journal: Topspin by Mike Shenk. Direct link to .puz.Crosshare Community: Daily Mini and Featured Puzzles.
Crossherd: Daily Mini. Online only
Crosswordr Community: Community Puzzle Platform.
Crosswords with Friends: TV Tuesday App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Midi Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Mini Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Daily POP Crosswords: by Pam Amick Klawitter. App Store | Google Play, Online, phone app only
Fast Company: Daily Mini by Joe Rodini.
India Mini Crossword: Daily Mini
LunaMini: Daily Mini by Luna. Online only
Mangesh Ghogre’s Indian Mini Crosswords: Daily Mini by Mangesh Ghogre.
The New Dork Times: New Dork Times Puzzle: Mini 202 by Cole Rush. Subscribe at link.
PlayFour: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
Squared Away: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
The Telegraph: Cross Atlantic Online only
Washington Post Daily Mini Meta: by Frank Longo.
WashU Student Life: Happy Birthday! by Rena Cohen.
YourPuzzleSource: Daily Puzzle (Midi) by Phil Fraas.Garden Party: ($) Rows Garden #9.8 by Michael Blake. Subscribe at link.
Outside The Box: ($) Rows Garden #11.25 by joon pahk. Subscribe at link.
Sporcle: Daily Acrostic. Online onlyFinancial Times: FT Crossword .pdf only
The Guardian: Cryptic crossword No 29,938 by Pavo.
The Hindu Cryptic: Daily Cryptic .pdf, online.
The Independent: Cryptic Crossword .pdf, online only
Times UK Quick Cryptic: Daily Puzzle via The Globe and MailCheck out the DCL’s staff recommendations from last week’s puzzles
Other American-style links:
Reviews and Discussion at Diary of a Crossword Fiend | Boatload Puzzles/AARP | “Crosscord” Discord | Crucidrama (en español) | Cruciverbalista (en español) | Easy Crossword (Newsday Archives) | FreeDailyCrosswords | Medium Crossword (Newsday Archives) | Hard Crossword (Newsday Archives) | r/crossword | USA Today Reviews and Discussion at Off the Grid | Squares.io | XWord-Muggles Meta Calendar
Other Cryptic/Variety links:
A Frame Games | cf.kmbweb.de Links Library | CoxRathvon.com | Harper’s ($) | Lovatts | Magpie ($) | Mokelfish Links Library | MyCrossword | NPL | Panda Magazine ($) | Private Eye | PuzzleCrypt archives | Puzzling StackExchange | r/crosswords | Sydney Morning Herald ($) | The Telegraph | The Times (UK) ($), includes The Listener
-
Monday, February 23, 2026
Bewilderingly: You Need to Work on Your Boundaries by Will Nediger.
Black Crossword: Mini by Juliana Pache.
Crosstina Aquafina: themeless no. 38 by crosstina aquafina, esq. llc.
Crosswoods: Extrawurst by Crosswoods.
The Puzzle Pit: Metal Monday #40 – Themeless by Adam Landau. .pdf, .puz only
Queerty: Queerty Crossword #500 by Queerty.
Southern Crosswords: southern crosswords mini #136 by michael.
Apple News: ($) Elevated Fare by Enrique Henestroza Anguiano. News+ Subscription Required
Apple News Mini: ($) Daily Mini by Amie Walker. News+ Subscription Required
The Atlantic Mini: by Amanda Rafkin; edited by Kelsey Dixon.
The Chicago Maroon: Mini by Chicago Maroon Crossword Team.
Chicago Sun-Times: Chicago-Style (Mini) Crossword by Kelsey Dixon.
Crossword Club: Daily Crossword: February 23, 2026 by Kelsey Dixon.
Crossword Flow: ($) White Space by Kelly Richardson. iPad-exclusive app.
Daily Beast: You’ve Got to Have Goals, Mon. Feb. 23, 2026 by Matt Gaffney.
Fireball Newsflash: ($) Fireball Newsflash Crosswords #3, 2/23/26 by Peter Gordon. Subscribe at link.
Lil AVCX: ($) Another Round? by Jess Shulman. Subscribe at link.
Monday Fills: Oral Agreements by Dave Murchie.
Muggle Meta Mondays: Weekly Meta
People Puzzler: Comedian and Online Darling by Shannon Rapp.
Puzzmo: You should know better! by Brian Callahan & brooke. Online only
Puzzmo: Mini Crossword by Rob Dubbin. Online only
SFGATE California Mini Crossword: Mini Crossword by Nate Cardin. Online only.
Slate: Slate Crossword: Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026 by Zachary Edward-Brown.
Slate: Slate Mini: Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026 by Adrianne Baik.
STAT News: Mini Crossword by Rachel Fabi.
Vulture 10×10: The Football Puzzle by Malaika Handa.The Boston Globe: Mini Crossword by Sowmya Ramkumar.
The Globe and Mail: Globe Mini by Jess Shulman.
Los Angeles Times: by Robert E.L. Morris. Create free Cruciverb account for .puz.
Los Angeles Times Mini: by Elizabeth Gorski.
Merriam Webster: The Missing Letter by Matt Gaffney
New York Sun: ($) Plastic Surgery Gone Bad by Mike Torch. Reissues from 2008.
New York Times: ($) by Hannah Binney.
New York Times Midi: by Ian Livengood.
New York Times Mini: by Joel Fagliano.
The New Yorker: February 23 by Brooke Husic.
Newsday: 2/23/26 Blinkers by Doug Peterson. Online .pdf
Universal: ($) Full Circle by Desiree Penner and Jeff Sinnock. Direct link to .puz.
USA Today: I’m at the End of My Rope! by Sala Wanetick.
Vox: by Patrick Blindauer
The Wall Street Journal: Do You Follow? by Katherine Baicker & Laura Dershewitz. Direct link to .puz.The Columbia Spectator: Daily Mini: 02/23/2026 by Sofia Whang.
Crosshare Community: Daily Mini and Featured Puzzles.
Crossherd: Daily Mini. Online only
Crosswordr Community: Community Puzzle Platform.
Crosswords with Friends: Movie Monday App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Midi Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Mini Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Daily POP Crosswords: by Janice Luttrell. App Store | Google Play, Online, phone app only
Duke Chronicle: Mini Crossword 205 (2/23/26) by Emily Lutzker.
Fast Company: Daily Mini by Joe Rodini.
Fordham Observer: Monday, February 23 (Mini) by Jasmine White.
India Mini Crossword: Daily Mini
LunaMini: Daily Mini by Luna. Online only
Mangesh Ghogre’s Indian Mini Crosswords: Daily Mini by Mangesh Ghogre.
PlayFour: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
Squared Away: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
The Telegraph: Cross Atlantic Online only
Washington Post Daily Mini Meta: by Frank Longo.
WashU Student Life: Holey Moley by Sarah Tong.
YourPuzzleSource: Daily Puzzle (Midi) by Phil Fraas.BEQ Marching Bands: ($) Marching Bands #11.23 by Brendan Emmett Quigley. Subscribe at link.
Garden Variety Puzzles: Rows Garden #9 by Peter Baronowski. .pdf, .rgz only
Redhead64: PUZZLE #584: Slide Show: Double Feature 8 .pdf only
Sporcle: Daily Acrostic. Online only
Steve’s Cryptic Crosswords: by Steve Townsend. Online onlyFinancial Times: FT Crossword .pdf only
The Guardian: Cryptic crossword No 29,937 by Brummie.
The Hindu Cryptic: Daily Cryptic .pdf, online.
The Independent: Cryptic Crossword .pdf, online only
Times UK Quick Cryptic: Daily Puzzle via The Globe and MailCheck out the DCL’s staff recommendations from last week’s puzzles
Other American-style links:
Reviews and Discussion at Diary of a Crossword Fiend | Boatload Puzzles/AARP | “Crosscord” Discord | Crucidrama (en español) | Cruciverbalista (en español) | Easy Crossword (Newsday Archives) | FreeDailyCrosswords | Medium Crossword (Newsday Archives) | Hard Crossword (Newsday Archives) | r/crossword | USA Today Reviews and Discussion at Off the Grid | Squares.io | XWord-Muggles Meta Calendar
Other Cryptic/Variety links:
A Frame Games | cf.kmbweb.de Links Library | CoxRathvon.com | Harper’s ($) | Lovatts | Magpie ($) | Mokelfish Links Library | MyCrossword | NPL | Panda Magazine ($) | Private Eye | PuzzleCrypt archives | Puzzling StackExchange | r/crosswords | Sydney Morning Herald ($) | The Telegraph | The Times (UK) ($), includes The Listener
-
Sunday, February 22, 2026
7 down: the drum head by 7down.
Black Crossword: Mini by Juliana Pache.
Jeff’s Puzzles: Come On And Work It On Out by Jeff Linder.
M & M Crosswords: Better With Bacon by Martina Waluk.
Pun Of A Kind: Two by Two by Mikey G.
The Puzzle Pit: Metal Monday (Sunday) #39 – “I Literally Love Them!”, Volume 3 by Adam Landau. .pdf, .puz only
Queerty: Queerty Crossword #499 by Queerty.
Southern Crosswords: southern crosswords mini #135 by michael.
Apple News: ($) Passing Comments by Wayne Bergman. News+ Subscription Required
Apple News Mini: ($) Daily Mini by Amie Walker. News+ Subscription Required
The Atlantic: by Matthew Luter; edited by Kelsey Dixon.
The Chicago Maroon: Mini by Chicago Maroon Crossword Team.
Chicago Sun-Times: Chicago-Style (Mini) Crossword by Kelsey Dixon.
Crossword Club: Daily Crossword: February 22, 2026 by Will Nediger.
Crossword Flow: ($) Work It by Olivia Mitra Framke. iPad-exclusive app.
Daily Beast: Going Green, Sun. Feb. 22, 2026 by Matt Gaffney.
The Hub Crossword: ($) Long Letters by Brendan Emmett Quigley. Patreon subscription.
Puzzmo: Musical Acts by Darby Ratliff. Online only
Puzzmo: Mini Crossword by Rob Dubbin. Online only
Slate: Slate Mini: Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 by Nijah Morris.
Smooth Sailing Sunday: Weekly MetaThe Boston Globe: Mini Crossword by Sowmya Ramkumar.
The Globe and Mail: Globe Mini by Jess Shulman.
Los Angeles Times: SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED by Doug Peterson. Create free Cruciverb account for .puz.
Los Angeles Times Mini: by Elizabeth Gorski.
Merl Reagle Archives: February 22, 2026 – Final Ballot by Merl Reagle.
Merriam Webster: The Missing Letter by Matt Gaffney
New York Sun: ($) Auto Trailers by Alan Arbesfeld. Reissues from 2008.
New York Times: ($) Books of the Bible by Jill Rafaloff and Michelle Sontarp.
New York Times Mini: by Ian Livengood.
Newsday: 2/22/26 UP IN THE AIR: Look Skyward and See by Gary M. Larson. Online .pdf
Premier Crossword: by Frank Longo. .pdf, online only
Universal: ($) Themeless Sunday 173 by Amie Walker. Direct link to .puz.
Universal Sunday: Copy That by Daniel Grinberg. Direct link to .puz.
USA Today: “That One’s on Me!” (Freestyle) by Rafael Musa.
Washington Post: X Games by Evan Birnholz. Direct link to .puz.Crosshare Community: Daily Mini and Featured Puzzles.
Crossherd: Daily Mini. Online only
Crosswordr Community: Community Puzzle Platform.
Crosswords with Friends: Sunday Funday App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Midi Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Mini Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Daily POP Crosswords: by Janice Luttrell. App Store | Google Play, Online, phone app only
Fast Company: Break Even Points by Joe Rodini
India Mini Crossword: Daily Mini
LunaMini: Daily Mini by Luna. Online only
Mangesh Ghogre’s Indian Mini Crosswords: Daily Mini by Mangesh Ghogre.
PlayFour: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
Squared Away: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
The Telegraph: Cross Atlantic Online only
TV Crossword: Weekly Puzzle. .pdf, online only
YourPuzzleSource: Weekly 15×15 by Phil Fraas.1Across: Money Matters by Veeyares. .pdf, online.
Sporcle: Daily Acrostic. Online only
Stay Golden Puzzles: ($) Rows Garden by Juliana Tringali Golden. Purchase at link.Azed Cryptic: Cryptic
Everyman Cryptic: Cryptic
Financial Times: FT Crossword .pdf only
The Hindu Cryptic: ($) The Hindu Cryptic on Sunday .pdf, online.
The Independent: Cryptic Crossword .pdf, online only
New York Times Variety: ($) Acrostic by David Balton and Jane Stewart.
Times UK Quick Cryptic: Daily Puzzle via The Globe and MailCheck out the DCL’s staff recommendations from last week’s puzzles
Other American-style links:
Reviews and Discussion at Diary of a Crossword Fiend | Boatload Puzzles/AARP | “Crosscord” Discord | Crucidrama (en español) | Cruciverbalista (en español) | Easy Crossword (Newsday Archives) | FreeDailyCrosswords | Medium Crossword (Newsday Archives) | Hard Crossword (Newsday Archives) | r/crossword | USA Today Reviews and Discussion at Off the Grid | Squares.io | XWord-Muggles Meta Calendar
Other Cryptic/Variety links:
A Frame Games | cf.kmbweb.de Links Library | CoxRathvon.com | Harper’s ($) | Lovatts | Magpie ($) | Mokelfish Links Library | MyCrossword | NPL | Panda Magazine ($) | Private Eye | PuzzleCrypt archives | Puzzling StackExchange | r/crosswords | Sydney Morning Herald ($) | The Telegraph | The Times (UK) ($), includes The Listener
-
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Black Crossword: Mini by Juliana Pache.
Club 72: Freestyle 1091: “Mission accomplished!” by Tim Croce.
David Alfred Bywaters: Strip Joint by David Alfred Bywaters.
In Pursuit of Puzzles: Acrostic #14 by Jeanne Breen.
Queerty: Queerty Crossword #498 by Queerty.
Southern Crosswords: southern crosswords mini #134 by michael.
Apple News: ($) Freestyle by Kelsey Dixon. News+ Subscription Required
Apple News Mini: ($) Daily Mini by Amie Walker. News+ Subscription Required
The Atlantic: by Amanda Rafkin; edited by Kelsey Dixon.
The Chicago Maroon: Mini by Chicago Maroon Crossword Team.
Chicago Sun-Times: Chicago-Style (Mini) Crossword by Kelsey Dixon.
Crossword Club: Daily Crossword by Ada Nicolle.
Crossword Flow: ($) Potato Soup by Rebecca Moore. iPad-exclusive app.
Matt Gaffney’s Weekly Crossword Contest: ($) MGWCC #925 – “Put a Ring on It” by Andrew Linzer (Meta). Subscribe at Patreon.
Morning Brew: Beatboxes by Jack Murtagh.
Puzzmo: Low Pony by Michaela Olsáková. Online only
Puzzmo: Mini Crossword by Rob Dubbin. Online only
Reason: About Time by Stella Zawistowski.
Spyscape: Mad Tea Party by Bryant White.
The Walrus: Double Doubles by Will Nediger.The Boston Globe: Mini Crossword by Sowmya Ramkumar.
The Globe and Mail: Globe Mini by Jess Shulman.
The Globe and Mail Weekender: Watch This Space by Ada Nicolle.
Los Angeles Times: by Kyle Dolan. Create free Cruciverb account for .puz.
Los Angeles Times Mini: by Elizabeth Gorski.
Merriam Webster: The Missing Letter by Matt Gaffney
New York Magazine: There Were Signs by Matt Gaffney.
New York Sun: ($) Themeless by Tom Heilman. Reissues from 2008.
New York Times: ($) by Josh Knapp.
New York Times Mini: by Joel Fagliano.
Newsday: Saturday Stumper by Rafael Musa. Online .pdf
Universal: ($) Universal Freestyle 212 by Emily Biegas. Direct link to .puz.
USA Today: Move in the Right Direction by Beth Rubin.
Vox: No Theme, Just Vibes by Will Nediger.
The Wall Street Journal: Vinyl Exam by Mike Shenk. Direct link to .puz.Crosshare Community: Daily Mini and Featured Puzzles.
Crossherd: Daily Mini. Online only
Crosswordr Community: Community Puzzle Platform.
Crosswords with Friends: Smartypants Saturday App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Midi Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Mini Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Daily POP Crosswords: by Gail Grabowski. App Store | Google Play, Online, phone app only
India Mini Crossword: Daily Mini
LunaMini: Daily Mini by Luna. Online only
Mangesh Ghogre’s Indian Mini Crosswords: Daily Mini by Mangesh Ghogre.
The New Dork Times: New Dork Times Puzzle: Mini 201 by Cole Rush. Subscribe at link.
PlayFour: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
Squared Away: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
The Telegraph: Cross Atlantic Online only
Washington Post Daily Mini Meta: by Frank Longo.Sporcle: Daily Acrostic. Online only
Financial Times: FT Crossword .pdf only
Financial Times: FT Crossword: Polymath .pdf only
Financial Times: FT Weekend Magazine Crossword .pdf only
Gemelo Cryptic: Cryptic
The Globe and Mail: The Weekender Cryptic by Fraser Simpson
The Hindu Cryptic: Daily Cryptic .pdf, online.
The Independent: Cryptic Crossword .pdf, online only
WSJ Variety: Acrostic by Mike Shenk. Direct link to .pdf.Check out the DCL’s staff recommendations from last week’s puzzles
Other American-style links:
Reviews and Discussion at Diary of a Crossword Fiend | Boatload Puzzles/AARP | “Crosscord” Discord | Crucidrama (en español) | Cruciverbalista (en español) | Easy Crossword (Newsday Archives) | FreeDailyCrosswords | Medium Crossword (Newsday Archives) | Hard Crossword (Newsday Archives) | r/crossword | USA Today Reviews and Discussion at Off the Grid | Squares.io | XWord-Muggles Meta Calendar
Other Cryptic/Variety links:
A Frame Games | cf.kmbweb.de Links Library | CoxRathvon.com | Harper’s ($) | Lovatts | Magpie ($) | Mokelfish Links Library | MyCrossword | NPL | Panda Magazine ($) | Private Eye | PuzzleCrypt archives | Puzzling StackExchange | r/crosswords | Sydney Morning Herald ($) | The Telegraph | The Times (UK) ($), includes The Listener
-
Friday, February 20, 2026
BEQ: Top That by Brendan Emmett Quigley.
Black Crossword: Mini by Juliana Pache.
Queerty: Queerty Crossword #497 by Queerty.
Southern Crosswords: southern crosswords mini #133 by michael.
Apple News: ($) Ordered Pairs by Daniel Bodily. News+ Subscription Required
Apple News Mini: ($) Daily Mini by Amie Walker. News+ Subscription Required
The Atlantic Mini: by Amanda Rafkin; edited by Kelsey Dixon.
AVCX+: ($) Let’s Do It Together by Rafael Musa. Subscribe at link.
The Chicago Maroon: Mini by Chicago Maroon Crossword Team.
Chicago Sun-Times: Chicago-Style (Mini) Crossword by Kelsey Dixon.
Crossword Club: Daily Crossword: February 20, 2026 by Kelsey Dixon.
Crossword Flow: ($) by Matthew Luter. iPad-exclusive app.
People Puzzler: The Ultimate Bridesmaid by Will Eisenberg.
Puzzmo: I can’t look away! by JessBevRucks. Online only
Puzzmo: Mini Crossword by Rob Dubbin. Online only
Scientific American: What’s Inside by Aimee Lucido.
SFGATE California Mini Crossword: Mini Crossword by Doug Peterson. Online only.
Slate: Slate Midi: Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026 by Hemant Mehta.
Slate: Slate Mini: Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026 by Quiara Vasquez.
STAT News: Mini Crossword by Rachel Fabi.
Vulture 10×10: The Inheritance Puzzle by Stella Zawistowski.The Boston Globe: Mini Crossword by Sowmya Ramkumar.
The Globe and Mail: Globe Mini by Jess Shulman.
Los Angeles Times: by Benjamin Panico. Create free Cruciverb account for .puz.
Los Angeles Times Mini: by Elizabeth Gorski.
Merriam Webster: The Missing Letter by Matt Gaffney
New York Sun: ($) Empowered by Yaakov Bendavid. Reissues from 2008.
New York Times: ($) by Kate Hawkins.
New York Times Mini: by Joel Fagliano.
The New Yorker Mini: by Mollie Cowger.
Newsday: 2/20/26 Asset Management by Kevin Christian. Online .pdf
Universal: ($) Expanded Roles by Aidan Deshong and Adam Levav. Direct link to .puz.
USA Today: Let Me Finish by Ryan Mathiason.
Vox: by Andrew J. Ries.
The Wall Street Journal: Missing Out by Patrick Berry. Direct link to .puz.The Columbia Spectator: Daily Mini: 02/20/2026 by Michael Lenox.
Crosshare Community: Daily Mini and Featured Puzzles.
Crossherd: Daily Mini. Online only
Crosswordr Community: Community Puzzle Platform.
Crosswords with Friends: Sports Fan Friday App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Midi Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Crosswords with Friends: Mini Puzzle App Store | Google Play
Daily POP Crosswords: by Gail Grabowski. App Store | Google Play, Online, phone app only
Duke Chronicle: Mini Crossword 204 (2/20/26) by Jeffrey Broms.
Fast Company: Daily Mini by Joe Rodini.
Fordham Observer: Friday, February 20 (Mini) by Jasmine White.
India Mini Crossword: Daily Mini
LunaMini: Daily Mini by Luna. Online only
Mangesh Ghogre’s Indian Mini Crosswords: Daily Mini by Mangesh Ghogre.
The New Dork Times: New Dork Times Recommendation: Puzzles Supporting Alzheimer’s by Cole Rush. Subscribe at link.
PlayFour: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
Squared Away: ($) Daily Puzzle. Online only
The Telegraph: Cross Atlantic Online only
The Times Ponder: ($) Weekly Puzzle. .pdf, online only
Washington Post Daily Mini Meta: by Frank Longo.
WashU Student Life: Last Days of Pompeii by Vinisha Tripathi.
YourPuzzleSource: Daily Puzzle (Midi) by Phil Fraas.AVCX Cryptic: ($) Cryptic by Trip Payne. Subscribe at link.
Cryptic Crosswords by Māyā: 108. New words by Māyā
Out Of Left Field: ($) #308 by Joshua Kosman & Henri Picciotto. Patreon subscription.
Sporcle: Daily Acrostic. Online onlyFinancial Times: FT Crossword .pdf only
The Guardian: Cryptic crossword No 29,935 by Brockwell.
The Hindu Cryptic: Daily Cryptic .pdf, online.
The Independent: Cryptic Crossword .pdf, online only
Times UK Quick Cryptic: Daily Puzzle via The Globe and MailCheck out the DCL’s staff recommendations from last week’s puzzles
Other American-style links:
Reviews and Discussion at Diary of a Crossword Fiend | Boatload Puzzles/AARP | “Crosscord” Discord | Crucidrama (en español) | Cruciverbalista (en español) | Easy Crossword (Newsday Archives) | FreeDailyCrosswords | Medium Crossword (Newsday Archives) | Hard Crossword (Newsday Archives) | r/crossword | USA Today Reviews and Discussion at Off the Grid | Squares.io | XWord-Muggles Meta Calendar
Other Cryptic/Variety links:
A Frame Games | cf.kmbweb.de Links Library | CoxRathvon.com | Harper’s ($) | Lovatts | Magpie ($) | Mokelfish Links Library | MyCrossword | NPL | Panda Magazine ($) | Private Eye | PuzzleCrypt archives | Puzzling StackExchange | r/crosswords | Sydney Morning Herald ($) | The Telegraph | The Times (UK) ($), includes The Listener
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