Quick Answer
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Crossword clue: “Regions”
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Answer: AREAS – 5 letters
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Clue number and direction: 4 Across
The New York Times crossword clue “Regions” is answered with AREAS in 5 letters. In the February 13, 2026 NYT Mini, AREAS appears at 4-Across.
Why AREAS Is the Right NYT Answer
“Regions” and AREAS are direct synonyms, both referring to sections, zones, or parts of a larger whole. The clue is a classic definition-style plural, so a plural noun like AREAS is exactly what the grid expects. With five boxes for 4-Across, AREAS is the cleanest, most common fill that matches both grammar and meaning.
Crossing letters from the Downs all support A‑R‑E‑A‑S, which rules out alternatives like ZONES or LANDS in this specific Mini.
What AREAS Means
In everyday English, AREAS means regions, parts, or sections of space, land, or activity. You might talk about “rural areas,” “subject areas,” or “dangerous areas,” all using the same core idea: distinct portions of a bigger thing. The puzzle uses that straightforward sense, with no trick or wordplay layered on top.
Solving Tips for Similar NYT Clues
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Plural definition clues like “Regions,” “Parts,” or “Sections” often map to short plurals: AREAS, ZONES, SECTORS, LOCALES, etc.
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For a 5-letter pattern like A_EAS, AREAS is almost always the intended answer.
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When stuck, plug in AREAS lightly and see if crossings from Down clues confirm each letter; if they do, you’re done.
Crossword-Specific Help: Pattern, Length, and Crossings
For 4-Across, the NYT Mini gives a 5-letter slot, which matches AREAS exactly. Pattern-wise, it appears as:
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AREAS(A‑R‑E‑A‑S)
Each letter is confirmed by Down entries such as FIERI, ALIEN, KARAT, ENDS, and MWAH elsewhere in the February 13, 2026 grid. When every crossing produces a valid word, you can be confident AREAS is the correct fill and not a guess.
Other Clues That Often Use AREAS
AREAS is a frequent “utility” entry in crosswords and can show up as the answer to clues like:
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“Regions”
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“Parts of maps”
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“Sections”
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“Neighborhoods, in a way”
Any simple plural clue pointing to portions or zones, with a 5-letter slot, is a strong candidate for AREAS.
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 |
