Green group — COMPACT MASS
Why is “PUCK” in the Green group?
a compact mass of ice, typically used in the sport of ice hockey
Connections Hints for February 11, 2026 #975
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Yellow Category — February 11, 2026
Green Category — February 11, 2026
Blue Category — February 11, 2026
Purple Category — February 11, 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 — ROLLER ___
Why is “DERBY” in the Blue group?
a type of roller skate competition or a city in England
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (February 11, 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.
- NET
- Definition: a type of earnings or profit
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a network or a type of fabric
- RETURN
- Definition: a type of earnings or profit
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to the act of going back to a place
- YIELD
- Definition: a type of earnings or profit
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to the act of giving in or surrendering
- BLOCK
- Definition: a compact mass of something
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a section of a city or a type of obstruction
Connections #975 explained
Why these words connect (February 11, 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: ACT LOVESTRUCK
These words are all related to the act of being lovesick or infatuated, including the phrase 'moonstruck' and the feeling of 'yearning' for someone
Green group: EARNINGS
These words are all related to the concept of earnings or profit, including the idea of 'gaining' something and 'yielding' a return
Blue group: COMPACT MASS
These words are all related to the concept of a compact mass, including a 'block' of something and a 'brick' of material
Purple group: ROLLER ___
These words are all related to the concept of roller skating, including the idea of a 'roller coaster' and a 'roller derby'
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.
“NET”
Seems like it belongs to: COMPACT MASS
Actually belongs to: EARNINGS
NET can refer to a type of earnings or profit, but it can also refer to a compact mass of threads or fibers, making it a tricky word to categorize
“BLOCK”
Seems like it belongs to: EARNINGS
Actually belongs to: COMPACT MASS
BLOCK can refer to a type of earnings or profit, but it can also refer to a compact mass of something, making it a tricky word to categorize
“CAKE”
Seems like it belongs to: ACT LOVESTRUCK
Actually belongs to: COMPACT MASS
CAKE can refer to a type of dessert that is often associated with romantic occasions, but it can also refer to a compact mass of something, making it a tricky word to categorize
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “NET” didn't go with COMPACT MASS
Seems like: COMPACT MASS → Actually: EARNINGS
NET can refer to a type of earnings or profit, but it can also refer to a compact mass of threads or fibers, making it a tricky word to categorize
Why “BLOCK” didn't go with EARNINGS
Seems like: EARNINGS → Actually: COMPACT MASS
BLOCK can refer to a type of earnings or profit, but it can also refer to a compact mass of something, making it a tricky word to categorize
Why “CAKE” didn't go with ACT LOVESTRUCK
Seems like: ACT LOVESTRUCK → Actually: COMPACT MASS
CAKE can refer to a type of dessert that is often associated with romantic occasions, but it can also refer to a compact mass of something, making it a tricky word to categorize