Green group — CLASSIC COMIC STRIPS
Why is “BLOOM COUNTY” in the Green group?
a classic comic strip created by Berke Breathed
Connections Hints for February 22, 2026 #986
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 22, 2026 #986
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Yellow Category — February 22, 2026
Green Category — February 22, 2026
Blue Category — February 22, 2026
Purple Category — February 22, 2026
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Purple group — ASSOCIATED WITH THEODORE ROOSEVELT
Why is “BULL MOOSE” in the Purple group?
Theodore Roosevelt's Progressive Party, also known as the Bull Moose Party
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (February 22, 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.
- SILVER
- Definition: having gray or white hair
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to the metal or a color
- BIG STICK
- Definition: Theodore Roosevelt's foreign policy approach
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a literal large stick
- TEDDY BEAR
- Definition: a stuffed animal named after Theodore Roosevelt
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to the president himself
- ROUGH RIDERS
- Definition: Theodore Roosevelt's cavalry unit
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a general term for rugged individuals
Connections #986 explained
Why these words connect (February 22, 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: ONE WHO DOESN'T FIT IN
These words all describe individuals who are outcasts or don't fit in with their peers, often due to their unusual behavior or characteristics.
Green group: DESCRIPTORS FOR GRAYING HAIR
These words all describe the appearance of graying hair, often used to convey a sense of age or wisdom.
Blue group: CLASSIC COMIC STRIPS
These words are all titles of classic comic strips that have been widely popular and influential in the world of comics.
Purple group: ASSOCIATED WITH THEODORE ROOSEVELT
These words are all associated with Theodore Roosevelt, either through his policies, personality, or historical events.
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.
“SILVER”
Seems like it belongs to: ONE WHO DOESN'T FIT IN
Actually belongs to: DESCRIPTORS FOR GRAYING HAIR
Silver can imply something is unusual or doesn't fit in, but in this context, it refers to gray or white hair.
“BIG STICK”
Seems like it belongs to: ONE WHO DOESN'T FIT IN
Actually belongs to: ASSOCIATED WITH THEODORE ROOSEVELT
A big stick can imply someone who stands out, but in this context, it refers to Theodore Roosevelt's foreign policy approach.
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “SILVER” didn't go with ONE WHO DOESN'T FIT IN
Seems like: ONE WHO DOESN'T FIT IN → Actually: DESCRIPTORS FOR GRAYING HAIR
Silver can imply something is unusual or doesn't fit in, but in this context, it refers to gray or white hair.
Why “BIG STICK” didn't go with ONE WHO DOESN'T FIT IN
Seems like: ONE WHO DOESN'T FIT IN → Actually: ASSOCIATED WITH THEODORE ROOSEVELT
A big stick can imply someone who stands out, but in this context, it refers to Theodore Roosevelt's foreign policy approach.