Blue group — SOMETHING THAT BRINGS BACK MEMORIES
Why is “VESTIGE” in the Blue group?
a small part or amount of something that remains, often used to describe a reminder of the past
Connections Hints for February 15, 2026 #979
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Yellow Category — February 15, 2026
Green Category — February 15, 2026
Blue Category — February 15, 2026
Purple Category — February 15, 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 — STARTING WITH WAYS TO REACH SOMEONE VIA PHONE
Why is “CALLIOPE” in the Green group?
the Greek muse of epic poetry, also the name of a musical instrument
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (February 15, 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.
- ECHO
- Definition: a sound that is repeated back after the original sound has stopped
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a mythological nymph or a brand of smart speaker
- VESTIGE
- Definition: a small part or amount of something that remains
- Why it's tricky: an uncommon word with multiple meanings, including a trace or remnant
- CALLIOPE
- Definition: the Greek muse of epic poetry
- Why it's tricky: also the name of a musical instrument, which could confuse solvers
- RINGMASTER
- Definition: a person in charge of a circus or other performance
- Why it's tricky: could be mistaken for a term related to phone calls due to 'ring'
Connections #979 explained
Why these words connect (February 15, 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: REFERENCE BOOKS
These are all types of books that provide information or guidance, often used for reference or research.
Green group: SOMETHING THAT BRINGS BACK MEMORIES
These are all words that evoke memories or reminders of something from the past, often used to describe a nostalgic or sentimental feeling.
Blue group: KINDS OF COMPLEXES
These are all terms used in psychology to describe complex emotions or relationships, often used to analyze human behavior.
Purple group: STARTING WITH WAYS TO REACH SOMEONE VIA PHONE
These are all words related to communication, starting with ways to reach someone via phone, and including terms for musical instruments and performance.
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.
“RINGMASTER”
Seems like it belongs to: SOMETHING THAT BRINGS BACK MEMORIES
Actually belongs to: STARTING WITH WAYS TO REACH SOMEONE VIA PHONE
The word 'ring' might lead solvers to think of phone calls or memories, but it actually refers to a circus performance.
“ECHO”
Seems like it belongs to: STARTING WITH WAYS TO REACH SOMEONE VIA PHONE
Actually belongs to: SOMETHING THAT BRINGS BACK MEMORIES
The word 'echo' could be mistaken for a phone-related term, but it actually refers to a sound that is repeated back.
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “RINGMASTER” didn't go with SOMETHING THAT BRINGS BACK MEMORIES
Seems like: SOMETHING THAT BRINGS BACK MEMORIES → Actually: STARTING WITH WAYS TO REACH SOMEONE VIA PHONE
The word 'ring' might lead solvers to think of phone calls or memories, but it actually refers to a circus performance.
Why “ECHO” didn't go with STARTING WITH WAYS TO REACH SOMEONE VIA PHONE
Seems like: STARTING WITH WAYS TO REACH SOMEONE VIA PHONE → Actually: SOMETHING THAT BRINGS BACK MEMORIES
The word 'echo' could be mistaken for a phone-related term, but it actually refers to a sound that is repeated back.