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Connections Hints for February 1, 2026 #965

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for February 1, 2026 #965

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Navigation tip: Use the arrows below to browse through past puzzles. Each puzzle is organized from easiest (yellow) to hardest (purple) categories.

Yellow Category — February 1, 2026

Green Category — February 1, 2026

Blue Category — February 1, 2026

Purple Category — February 1, 2026

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Purple group — MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS PLUS STARTING LETTER

Why is “GLUTE” in the Purple group?

refers to the starting letter 'G' of the musical instrument 'Guitar'

Purple group — MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS PLUS STARTING LETTER

Why is “THORN” in the Purple group?

refers to the starting letter 'T' of the musical instrument 'Trumpet'

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (February 1, 2026)

Several words in today's puzzle have multiple meanings or obscure definitions that can throw you off. Here's what each one means in the context of this Connections grid.

BANGER
Definition: a hit song
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a type of sausage
HEATER
Definition: a very popular song
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a device that produces heat
JAM
Definition: a song, especially one that is popular
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a type of fruit preserve
SHARP
Definition: a musical term, also the starting letter of a musical instrument
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a sharp object or a sharp mind

Connections #965 explained

Why these words connect (February 1, 2026)

Understanding the logic behind each group helps you spot similar patterns in future puzzles. Here's the reasoning for every category in today's Connections.

Yellow group: PUBLICIZE

These words are all related to promoting or advertising something, often to increase its popularity or visibility.

Green group: KINDS OF SHOES

These words are all types of shoes, each with its own unique characteristics and purposes.

Blue group: ANTHEM

These words are all related to popular or catchy songs, often referred to as anthems.

Purple group: MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS PLUS STARTING LETTER

These words are all related to musical instruments, with each word representing the starting letter of a specific instrument.

Red herrings and trap words explained

These words were designed to mislead you. Understanding why they don't belong where you first think sharpens your game for tomorrow.

BOOST

Seems like it belongs to: MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS PLUS STARTING LETTER

Actually belongs to: PUBLICIZE

BOOST seems like it could be related to musical instruments, but it actually belongs to the PUBLICIZE category, referring to promoting or advertising something.

MORGAN

Seems like it belongs to: KINDS OF SHOES

Actually belongs to: MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS PLUS STARTING LETTER

MORGAN seems like it could be a type of shoe, but it actually belongs to the MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS PLUS STARTING LETTER category, referring to the starting letter 'M' of the musical instrument 'Mandolin'.

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.

Why “BOOST” didn't go with MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS PLUS STARTING LETTER

Seems like: MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS PLUS STARTING LETTER → Actually: PUBLICIZE

BOOST seems like it could be related to musical instruments, but it actually belongs to the PUBLICIZE category, referring to promoting or advertising something.

Why “MORGAN” didn't go with KINDS OF SHOES

Seems like: KINDS OF SHOES → Actually: MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS PLUS STARTING LETTER

MORGAN seems like it could be a type of shoe, but it actually belongs to the MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS PLUS STARTING LETTER category, referring to the starting letter 'M' of the musical instrument 'Mandolin'.

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