Enjoying our puzzle hints?

Support independent coverage of NYT games and keep the hints flowing.

Buy me a coffee

Connections Hints for February 12, 2026 #976

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 12, 2026 #976

Want to see NYT Connections hints? Below you'll find complete solutions and explanations. Want to try solving it yourself first? Visit the NYT Connections game 2026-02-12. Looking for today's NYT Connections hint? Head to our home page or play today's connection game here.

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 12, 2026

Green Category — February 12, 2026

Blue Category — February 12, 2026

Purple Category — February 12, 2026

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Blue group — MLB PLAYER, FOR SHORT

Why is “YANK” in the Blue group?

a colloquial term for a New York Yankee, a professional baseball team

Purple group — ___ QUEEN

Why is “DRAG” in the Purple group?

a type of performance or entertainment, often associated with drag culture

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (February 12, 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.

FORM
Definition: a shape or structure
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a document or a type of organization
FROZEN
Definition: immobile or unchanging
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a state of being very cold
CARD
Definition: a type of baseball player
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a type of greeting card or a playing card
MAY
Definition: a month of the year
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a verb meaning 'to be allowed to'

Connections #976 explained

Why these words connect (February 12, 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: CONSTRUCT

These words are all related to the act of creating or constructing something, whether it's a physical object or an idea. They all imply a sense of building or assembling.

Green group: FIXED IN PLACE

These words are all related to the idea of being securely fixed or attached, whether it's physically or metaphorically. They all imply a sense of stability or immobility.

Blue group: MLB PLAYER, FOR SHORT

These words are all related to the New York Yankees, a professional baseball team. They are all abbreviations or colloquial terms for the team or its players.

Purple group: ___ QUEEN

These words are all related to types of queens, whether it's a performer, a title, or a reference to a specific person. They all imply a sense of royalty or grandeur.

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.

FAST

Seems like it belongs to: CONSTRUCT

Actually belongs to: FIXED IN PLACE

while 'fast' can imply a sense of speed or construction, in this context it refers to being securely fixed or attached

MAKE

Seems like it belongs to: FIXED IN PLACE

Actually belongs to: CONSTRUCT

while 'make' can imply a sense of fixing or assembling, in this context it refers to the act of creating or constructing something

TIGHT

Seems like it belongs to: CONSTRUCT

Actually belongs to: FIXED IN PLACE

while 'tight' can imply a sense of construction or assembly, in this context it refers to being securely fixed or attached

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “FAST” didn't go with CONSTRUCT

Seems like: CONSTRUCT → Actually: FIXED IN PLACE

while 'fast' can imply a sense of speed or construction, in this context it refers to being securely fixed or attached

Why “MAKE” didn't go with FIXED IN PLACE

Seems like: FIXED IN PLACE → Actually: CONSTRUCT

while 'make' can imply a sense of fixing or assembling, in this context it refers to the act of creating or constructing something

Why “TIGHT” didn't go with CONSTRUCT

Seems like: CONSTRUCT → Actually: FIXED IN PLACE

while 'tight' can imply a sense of construction or assembly, in this context it refers to being securely fixed or attached

Browse by Date

2026

February

Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1234567891011121314151617181920