Green group — CLASSIC COMIC STRIPS
Why is “BLOOM COUNTY” in the Green group?
a classic American comic strip created by Berke Breathed
Connections Hints 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?
a progressive political party founded by Theodore Roosevelt in 1912
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 a grayish-white color, especially due to age
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to the metal or a 25th anniversary
- TEDDY
- Definition: a nickname for Theodore Roosevelt
- Why it's tricky: also a common term for a teddy bear toy
- ROUGH
- Definition: unrefined or violent
- Why it's tricky: can also describe a difficult or challenging situation
- BIG
- Definition: large or impressive in size or amount
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to something important or significant
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 social or cultural differences
Green group: DESCRIPTORS FOR GRAYING HAIR
these words all describe the appearance of graying hair, often associated with aging or distinguished individuals
Blue group: CLASSIC COMIC STRIPS
these comic strips are all classics, having been widely popular and influential in the history of comics
Purple group: ASSOCIATED WITH THEODORE ROOSEVELT
these words all have a connection to Theodore Roosevelt, whether 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
while silver can imply something is unusual, it's primarily a descriptor for gray hair
“ROUGH RIDERS”
Seems like it belongs to: CLASSIC COMIC STRIPS
Actually belongs to: ASSOCIATED WITH THEODORE ROOSEVELT
the term 'rough riders' might evoke a comic strip, but it's actually a historical reference to Theodore Roosevelt's cavalry unit
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 is unusual, it's primarily a descriptor for gray hair
Why “ROUGH RIDERS” didn't go with CLASSIC COMIC STRIPS
Seems like: CLASSIC COMIC STRIPS → Actually: ASSOCIATED WITH THEODORE ROOSEVELT
the term 'rough riders' might evoke a comic strip, but it's actually a historical reference to Theodore Roosevelt's cavalry unit