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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

Blue group — CAR BRANDS PLUS TWO LETTERS

Why is “INFINITIVE” in the Blue group?

a verb form, also related to the car brand Infiniti with 'IT' added

Blue group — CAR BRANDS PLUS TWO LETTERS

Why is “MINION” in the Blue group?

a small servant, also related to the car brand Mini with 'ON' added

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 refer to many things, including biology or a person's story
PAST
Definition: a previous time or experience
Why it's tricky: can be a noun or an adjective
PERFECT
Definition: completely successful or accurate
Why it's tricky: can describe something as flawless or exact
INFINITIVE
Definition: a verb form, also a car brand with 'IT' added
Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings in grammar and this puzzle

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 relate to a person's history or story, including their background and life 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 'great' and 'perfect'.

Purple group: CAR BRANDS PLUS TWO LETTERS

These words are all car brands with two extra letters added, such as '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.

LIFE

Seems like it belongs to: EXPERIENCE

Actually belongs to: EXPERIENCE

While 'life' does fit the EXPERIENCE category, it's a very general term and could fit elsewhere.

PERFECT

Seems like it belongs to: CAR BRANDS PLUS TWO LETTERS

Actually belongs to: COMMENTARY ABOUT YOUR CONNECTIONS RESULTS

The word 'perfect' might seem like it could be a car brand with letters added, but it's actually a commentary on the connections results.

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “LIFE” didn't go with EXPERIENCE

Seems like: EXPERIENCE → Actually: EXPERIENCE

While 'life' does fit the EXPERIENCE category, it's a very general term and could fit elsewhere.

Why “PERFECT” didn't go with CAR BRANDS PLUS TWO LETTERS

Seems like: CAR BRANDS PLUS TWO LETTERS → Actually: COMMENTARY ABOUT YOUR CONNECTIONS RESULTS

The word 'perfect' might seem like it could be a car brand with letters added, but it's actually a commentary on the connections results.

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