Yellow group — USED IN WEAVING
Why is “LOOM” in the Yellow group?
a device used for weaving or interlacing threads
Connections Hints for February 9, 2026 #973
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Yellow Category — February 9, 2026
Green Category — February 9, 2026
Blue Category — February 9, 2026
Purple Category — February 9, 2026
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Green group — KINDS OF PAYMENT FOR AN AUTHOR
Why is “ROYALTY” in the Green group?
a payment made to an author for each copy of their book sold
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (February 9, 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.
- NEEDLE
- Definition: a tool used in sewing or weaving
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a needle in a medical context
- ADVANCE
- Definition: a payment given to an author before a book is published
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to moving forward or progressing
- STYLE
- Definition: a particular way of doing something
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to fashion or aesthetics
- WAY
- Definition: a method or approach
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a path or direction
Connections #973 explained
Why these words connect (February 9, 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: USED IN WEAVING
These are all essential items used in the process of weaving, including the device used to interlace threads and the threads themselves.
Green group: METHOD
These are all different approaches or ways of accomplishing a task, including a particular manner or style.
Blue group: KINDS OF PAYMENT FOR AN AUTHOR
These are all different types of payments that an author might receive, including money given before a book is published and money earned from each copy sold.
Purple group: DRAW ___
These are all different phrases that start with the word 'draw', including a type of card game and a phrase meaning to move closer.
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.
“NEEDLE”
Seems like it belongs to: DRAW ___
Actually belongs to: USED IN WEAVING
while 'draw near' is a phrase, 'needle' is actually a tool used in weaving
“STYLE”
Seems like it belongs to: USED IN WEAVING
Actually belongs to: METHOD
while 'style' can refer to fashion, in this context it refers to a method or approach
“WAY”
Seems like it belongs to: DRAW ___
Actually belongs to: METHOD
while 'draw the line' is a phrase, 'way' is actually a method or approach
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “NEEDLE” didn't go with DRAW ___
Seems like: DRAW ___ → Actually: USED IN WEAVING
while 'draw near' is a phrase, 'needle' is actually a tool used in weaving
Why “STYLE” didn't go with USED IN WEAVING
Seems like: USED IN WEAVING → Actually: METHOD
while 'style' can refer to fashion, in this context it refers to a method or approach
Why “WAY” didn't go with DRAW ___
Seems like: DRAW ___ → Actually: METHOD
while 'draw the line' is a phrase, 'way' is actually a method or approach