Enjoying our puzzle hints?

Support independent coverage of NYT games and keep the hints flowing.

Buy me a coffee

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

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 2026-02-22. 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 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

Green group — CLASSIC COMIC STRIPS

Why is “BLOOM COUNTY” in the Green group?

a classic American comic strip created by Berke Breathed

Purple group — ASSOCIATED WITH THEODORE ROOSEVELT

Why is “BULL MOOSE” in the Purple group?

the nickname for the Progressive Party, founded by Theodore Roosevelt

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.

SALT-AND-PEPPER
Definition: a hair color pattern
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a seasoning combination
BIG STICK
Definition: Theodore Roosevelt's diplomacy policy
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 respective groups, 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 all refer to classic American comic strips that have been widely popular and influential, often featuring memorable characters and storylines

Purple group: ASSOCIATED WITH THEODORE ROOSEVELT

these words all refer to aspects of Theodore Roosevelt's life and legacy, including his policies, personality, and cultural impact

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

while 'silver' can imply something unusual, in this context it refers to a hair color

BLACK SHEEP

Seems like it belongs to: DESCRIPTORS FOR GRAYING HAIR

Actually belongs to: ONE WHO DOESN'T FIT IN

while 'black sheep' can imply something dark, in this context it refers to an outcast

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

while 'silver' can imply something unusual, in this context it refers to a hair color

Why “BLACK SHEEP” didn't go with DESCRIPTORS FOR GRAYING HAIR

Seems like: DESCRIPTORS FOR GRAYING HAIR → Actually: ONE WHO DOESN'T FIT IN

while 'black sheep' can imply something dark, in this context it refers to an outcast

Browse by Date