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
▼Blue group — POSE
Why is “MASQUERADE” in the Blue group?
a party where guests wear masks, or to disguise oneself
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
- SCARF
- Definition: to eat hastily
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a type of clothing or a method of joining two pieces of wood
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 rapidly or greedily, often used in informal settings
Green group: CONICAL THINGS
these words all refer to objects that are shaped like a cone, often used in celebrations or natural formations
Blue group: POSE
these words all refer to ways of posing or presenting oneself, often used to deceive or impress others
Purple group: SETTINGS FOR A KISS
these words all refer to settings or occasions where kissing is common or expected, often associated with love or celebration
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 conical in shape
“BLUFF”
Seems like it belongs to: SETTINGS FOR A KISS
Actually belongs to: POSE
while bluffing can be a pose or attitude, it is not typically associated with romantic settings
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 conical in shape
Why “BLUFF” didn't go with SETTINGS FOR A KISS
Seems like: SETTINGS FOR A KISS → Actually: POSE
while bluffing can be a pose or attitude, it is not typically associated with romantic settings