Blue group — ENDING IN FAMILY WORDS
Why is “DIATRIBE” in the Blue group?
a bitter and sharply abusive speech or writing
Connections Hints for February 25, 2026 #989
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Yellow Category — February 25, 2026
Green Category — February 25, 2026
Blue Category — February 25, 2026
Purple Category — February 25, 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 — ENDING IN FAMILY WORDS
Why is “DECLAN” in the Blue group?
an Irish given name, also a surname
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (February 25, 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.
- KEY
- Definition: crucial or fundamental
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a device for operating a lock
- PRINCIPAL
- Definition: most important or primary
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to the head of a school
- BASIC
- Definition: fundamental or elementary
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a type of computer programming language
- ALKALINE
- Definition: having a pH greater than 7
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a type of battery
Connections #989 explained
Why these words connect (February 25, 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: CARE FOR
These are all roles or professions that involve caring for or nurturing others, such as a baby or a patient
Green group: ELEMENTARY
These are all words that relate to basic or fundamental concepts, such as primary education or key principles
Blue group: JAMESES
These are all surnames of famous people who have the first name James, such as James Brown or James Dean
Purple group: ENDING IN FAMILY WORDS
These are all words that end with suffixes related to family, such as -ine or -kin
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.
“COOK”
Seems like it belongs to: CARE FOR
Actually belongs to: JAMESES
James Cook was a British explorer, but 'cook' can also mean to prepare food, which relates to care
“BROWN”
Seems like it belongs to: ELEMENTARY
Actually belongs to: JAMESES
brown can refer to a color or a surname, and James Brown was a musician
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “COOK” didn't go with CARE FOR
Seems like: CARE FOR → Actually: JAMESES
James Cook was a British explorer, but 'cook' can also mean to prepare food, which relates to care
Why “BROWN” didn't go with ELEMENTARY
Seems like: ELEMENTARY → Actually: JAMESES
brown can refer to a color or a surname, and James Brown was a musician