Daily Crossword Answers USA Today - February 16, 2026

across

• In the thick of Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  AMID

• Box office failure Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  FLOP

• Ladies Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  GALS

• Like takeout orders Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  TOGO

• Polynesian Disney heroine Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  MOANA

• Soothing lotion additive Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  ALOE

• Italy's shape Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  BOOT

• Bandmate of Simon and Theodore Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  ALVIN

• "Royal" nuisance Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  PAIN

• Perform like Yasmin Finney Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  ACT

• NBC sketch show since 1975 Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  SNL

• "I'm supposed to care because . . .?" Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  OKAYAND

• Written gratitude from a gift recipient Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  THANKYOUNOTE

• Elf's creation Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  TOY

• Humorously ironic Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  WRY

• Colorful, long-tailed parrot Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  MACAW

• "That was a close one!" Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  PHEW

• Friendly squeeze Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  HUG

• Seldom seen Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  RARE

• Reason for some R ratings Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  SEX

• Flexible ruler that can retract Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  TAPEMEASURE

• Shrinking superhero Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  ANTMAN

• ___-care day Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  SELF

• Turf Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  SOD

• Sacred bird Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  IBIS

• Deliberately avoids Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  ESCHEWS

• Specific way to express oneself Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  TURNOFPHRASE

• South American barbecue Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  ASADO

• Perfectly fine Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  AOK

• Speak formally Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  ORATE

• NBA star Westbrook, for short Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  RUSS

• Opera star's solo Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  ARIA

• Cow's milk source Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  UDDER

• Meaty spread Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  PATE

• "Hey, you! Yes, you!" Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  PSST

• Signs of joy at medal ceremonies Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  TEARS

• Shutter strip Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  SLAT

• Tarantulas or rats, maybe Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  PETS

• PS5-TV connection cable Crossword Clue

  Reveal Answer

  HDMI