Green group — PROTUBERANCE
Why is “PROTUBERANCE” in the Green group?
a small mound or swelling, often used to describe a geological or anatomical feature
Connections Hints for February 14, 2026 #978
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Yellow Category — February 14, 2026
Green Category — February 14, 2026
Blue Category — February 14, 2026
Purple Category — February 14, 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 — TOM HANKS ROLES
Why is “SULLY” in the Blue group?
the main character in the 2016 film 'Sully', played by Tom Hanks
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (February 14, 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.
- SPEAR
- Definition: a type of mint, but also a word before 'mint' in phrases like 'spear mint'
- Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, including a type of plant and a word that precedes 'mint'
- JUMP
- Definition: to increase suddenly, but also a type of uptick in value or activity
- Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, including a physical action and a financial or statistical concept
- LUMP
- Definition: a small mound or protuberance, but also a verb meaning to group together
- Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, including a noun and a verb
- RISE
- Definition: to increase or go up, but also a type of bread that rises during baking
- Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, including a verb and a noun
Connections #978 explained
Why these words connect (February 14, 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: UPTICK
These words all describe a type of increase or improvement, often used in financial or statistical contexts. They can also be used to describe a physical action, such as jumping or hiking.
Green group: PROTUBERANCE
These words all describe a type of small mound or swelling, often used to describe geological or anatomical features. They can also be used to describe a small bump or lump.
Blue group: TOM HANKS ROLES
These words all describe roles played by Tom Hanks, including characters from films like 'Forrest Gump' and 'Toy Story'. They can also be used to describe real people, such as Chesley Sullenberger, who was portrayed by Tom Hanks in the film 'Sully'.
Purple group: WORDS BEFORE "MINT"
These words all come before 'mint' in phrases or words, such as 'breath mint' or 'pepper mint'. They can also be used to describe types of mint, such as 'spear mint'.
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.
“BUMP”
Seems like it belongs to: UPTICK
Actually belongs to: PROTUBERANCE
while 'bump' can refer to a sudden increase, in this context it refers to a small mound or protuberance
“JUMP”
Seems like it belongs to: TOM HANKS ROLES
Actually belongs to: UPTICK
while Tom Hanks has played many roles, 'jump' is not one of them, but rather a type of uptick in value or activity
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “BUMP” didn't go with UPTICK
Seems like: UPTICK → Actually: PROTUBERANCE
while 'bump' can refer to a sudden increase, in this context it refers to a small mound or protuberance
Why “JUMP” didn't go with TOM HANKS ROLES
Seems like: TOM HANKS ROLES → Actually: UPTICK
while Tom Hanks has played many roles, 'jump' is not one of them, but rather a type of uptick in value or activity