Quick Answer
-
Crossword clue: “Like flowers that never wilt”
-
Answer: FAKE – 4 letters
-
Clue number and direction: 1 Across
The New York Times crossword clue “Like flowers that never wilt” is answered with FAKE in 4 letters. In the February 13, 2026 NYT Mini, FAKE appears at 1-Across.
Why FAKE Is the Right NYT Answer
Real flowers eventually wilt, so the only flowers that never wilt are artificial ones, often described as fake. The clue uses “like” to point to a quality, and “never wilt” to hint that they’re not real, leading cleanly to FAKE.
Answer lists and hint pages for the February 13, 2026 NYT Mini all confirm FAKE as the 1-Across solution for this clue.
What FAKE Means
FAKE means not genuine or not real—an imitation of the real thing. In everyday use, fake flowers are decorative, man-made versions that keep their shape and color indefinitely instead of drooping like real blooms.
So the clue is simply a playful way to describe artificial flowers without saying “artificial” or “plastic” directly.
Solving Tips for Similar NYT Clues
-
Phrases like “never wilt,” “never spoil,” or “never ages” often hint at something fake, artificial, or plastic.
-
If you see a short 4-letter pattern like F_K_ or _AKE with a clue suggesting “not real,” try FAKE first.
-
Adjectives in clues (“like…”) often map to adjectives in answers (FAKE, REAL, FRESH, DRY), so match the part of speech.
This type of clue relies on basic logic: if something avoids a natural process (like wilting), it’s probably not real.
Crossword-Specific Notes: Pattern & Crossings
For 1-Across on February 13, 2026, the grid gives a 4-letter Across slot, which fits FAKE perfectly. The entry appears as:
-
FAKE(F‑A‑K‑E)
Down clues confirm each letter through crossings like FIERI, ALIEN, KARAT, ENDS, and MWAH in the same Mini. When all those Down entries lock in F‑A‑K‑E, you know the answer is solid.
Other Clues Where FAKE Might Appear
FAKE is a common crossword answer and may be clued as:
-
“Not genuine”
-
“Counterfeit”
-
“Phony” or “Not the real deal”
Any clue about imitation or something “that never ages/wilts/spoils” is a strong candidate for FAKE if the grid wants four letters.
Complete February 13, 2026 NYT Mini Answers Today (Across & Down)
Here are the key answers from the February 13, 2026 NYT Mini to help you complete the full grid.
Across
| Clue | Answer | Letters |
|---|---|---|
| Like flowers that never wilt | FAKE | 4 |
| Italian city that’s hosting part of the 2026 Winter Olympics | MILAN | 5 |
| “Huh, that’s strange …” | WEIRD | 5 |
| Regions | AREAS | 5 |
| Crossword clue, e.g. | HINT | 4 |
Down
| Clue | Answer | Letters |
|---|---|---|
| Guy in a kitchen | FIERI | 5 |
| Visitor from another world | ALIEN | 5 |
| Gold measurement | KARAT | 5 |
| “Don’t tell me how it ___!” | ENDS | 4 |
| Kissing sound | MWAH | 4 |




