Green group — SETTINGS FOR A KISS
Why is “BLARNEY STONE” in the Green group?
a stone in Ireland's Blarney Castle, said to give 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 or ball 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 voraciously, often in a messy or uncontrolled manner, like a starving person devouring food.
Green group: CONICAL THINGS
These words are all examples of objects that have a conical shape, like a Christmas tree or a party hat, which are often associated with celebrations and festivities.
Blue group: POSE
These words are all related to presenting oneself in a certain way, like adopting a pose or pretending to be something one is not, often to deceive or impress others.
Purple group: SETTINGS FOR A KISS
These words are all examples of settings or occasions where a kiss might take place, like a wedding or under the mistletoe, often associated with love, romance, and 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 like weddings or New Year's Eve, they are actually conical in shape
“BLUFF”
Seems like it belongs to: SETTINGS FOR A KISS
Actually belongs to: POSE
while a bluff can be a romantic spot, in this context it means to pretend or deceive
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 like weddings or New Year's Eve, 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 a bluff can be a romantic spot, in this context it means to pretend or deceive