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?
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