Green group — TREES PLUS A LETTER
Why is “MARPLE” in the Green group?
a type of tree, also a surname of a fictional character
Connections Hints for February 2, 2026 #966
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Yellow Category — February 2, 2026
Green Category — February 2, 2026
Blue Category — February 2, 2026
Purple Category — February 2, 2026
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Blue group — MODERN CRIME SERIES PROTAGONISTS
Why is “REACHER” in the Blue group?
a fictional character created by Lee Child
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (February 2, 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.
- STAMP
- Definition: an official mark or seal
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a postage stamp
- PASS
- Definition: a document or ticket allowing entry
- Why it's tricky: can also mean to move past something
- CROSS
- Definition: a surname of a fictional character
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a shape or symbol
- SPAN
- Definition: a period of time
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a structure or distance
Connections #966 explained
Why these words connect (February 2, 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: DURATION
These words all describe periods of time, including intervals, periods, and stretches.
Green group: CREDENTIALS FOR ENTRY
These words all describe items used for entry or access, such as lanyards, passes, and wristbands.
Blue group: MODERN CRIME SERIES PROTAGONISTS
These words all describe protagonists of modern crime series, including Bosch, Cross, and Reacher.
Purple group: TREES PLUS A LETTER
These words all describe tree names with an added letter, resulting in a new word.
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.
“STRETCH”
Seems like it belongs to: CREDENTIALS FOR ENTRY
Actually belongs to: DURATION
while a stretch can be a physical extension, it's also a period of time
“CROSS”
Seems like it belongs to: TREES PLUS A LETTER
Actually belongs to: MODERN CRIME SERIES PROTAGONISTS
while cross can refer to a shape, it's also a surname of a fictional character
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “STRETCH” didn't go with CREDENTIALS FOR ENTRY
Seems like: CREDENTIALS FOR ENTRY → Actually: DURATION
while a stretch can be a physical extension, it's also a period of time
Why “CROSS” didn't go with TREES PLUS A LETTER
Seems like: TREES PLUS A LETTER → Actually: MODERN CRIME SERIES PROTAGONISTS
while cross can refer to a shape, it's also a surname of a fictional character