Blue group — CAR BRANDS PLUS TWO LETTERS
Why is “INFINITIVE” in the Blue group?
a verb form, but in this context, a car brand INFINI with two letters TE added
Connections Hints for February 21, 2026 #985
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 21, 2026 #985
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 2026-02-21. 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 21, 2026
Green Category — February 21, 2026
Blue Category — February 21, 2026
Purple Category — February 21, 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 — CAR BRANDS PLUS TWO LETTERS
Why is “MINION” in the Blue group?
a small car brand MINI with two letters added, not the common meaning of a follower
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (February 21, 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.
- LIFE
- Definition: a person's experience or history
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a living being or a prison sentence
- PAST
- Definition: a previous experience or time
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a verb meaning 'to go by'
- MINION
- Definition: a small car brand (MINI) with two letters added
- Why it's tricky: more commonly refers to a follower or underling
- INFINITIVE
- Definition: a car brand (INFINI) with two letters added (TE)
- Why it's tricky: more commonly refers to a verb form
Connections #985 explained
Why these words connect (February 21, 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: EXPERIENCE
These words all describe aspects of a person's history or background, including their life story and past events.
Green group: ATTENDANCE STATUS
These words all describe different attendance statuses, including being present, absent, or late.
Blue group: COMMENTARY ABOUT YOUR CONNECTIONS RESULTS
These words all describe positive reactions to connections results, including feelings of relief or satisfaction.
Purple group: CAR BRANDS PLUS TWO LETTERS
These words all describe car brands with two letters added to the end, including AUDI with 'TS' to make AUDITS.
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.
“LATE”
Seems like it belongs to: EXPERIENCE
Actually belongs to: ATTENDANCE STATUS
while 'late' can describe an experience, in this context it refers to attendance status
“PAST”
Seems like it belongs to: ATTENDANCE STATUS
Actually belongs to: EXPERIENCE
while 'past' can imply absence, in this context it refers to a previous experience or time
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “LATE” didn't go with EXPERIENCE
Seems like: EXPERIENCE → Actually: ATTENDANCE STATUS
while 'late' can describe an experience, in this context it refers to attendance status
Why “PAST” didn't go with ATTENDANCE STATUS
Seems like: ATTENDANCE STATUS → Actually: EXPERIENCE
while 'past' can imply absence, in this context it refers to a previous experience or time