Green group — SETTINGS FOR A KISS
Why is “BLARNEY STONE” in the Green group?
a stone in Ireland that grants the gift of eloquence to those who kiss it
Connections Hints for February 23, 2026 #987
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Yellow Category — February 23, 2026
Green Category — February 23, 2026
Blue Category — February 23, 2026
Purple Category — February 23, 2026
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Green group — SETTINGS FOR A KISS
Why is “MISTLETOE” in the Green group?
a plant traditionally associated with Christmas and used as a prompt for kissing
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (February 23, 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.
- BOLT
- Definition: to eat quickly
- Why it's tricky: can also mean a sudden movement or a type of fastener
- FRONT
- Definition: a false or pretended appearance
- Why it's tricky: can also mean the forward part of something
- POSTURE
- Definition: a pose or attitude
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to the position or alignment of the body
- MASQUERADE
- Definition: to disguise or conceal one's true identity
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a party or ball where masks are worn
Connections #987 explained
Why these words connect (February 23, 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: EAT VORACIOUSLY
these words are all synonyms for eating quickly or voraciously, often in a way that is considered impolite or excessive
Green group: CONICAL THINGS
these words are all examples of objects that have a conical shape, often with a circular base and a pointed top
Blue group: POSE
these words are all examples of poses or attitudes, often used to deceive or impress others
Purple group: SETTINGS FOR A KISS
these words are all examples of settings or situations where kissing is often seen as romantic or acceptable
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.
“PARTY HAT”
Seems like it belongs to: SETTINGS FOR A KISS
Actually belongs to: CONICAL THINGS
while party hats are often worn at celebrations that may involve kissing, they are actually an example of a conical thing
“BLUFF”
Seems like it belongs to: SETTINGS FOR A KISS
Actually belongs to: POSE
while bluffing can be a way to pretend or deceive, it is actually an example of a pose or attitude
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “PARTY HAT” didn't go with SETTINGS FOR A KISS
Seems like: SETTINGS FOR A KISS → Actually: CONICAL THINGS
while party hats are often worn at celebrations that may involve kissing, they are actually an example of a conical thing
Why “BLUFF” didn't go with SETTINGS FOR A KISS
Seems like: SETTINGS FOR A KISS → Actually: POSE
while bluffing can be a way to pretend or deceive, it is actually an example of a pose or attitude