Purple group — ENDING IN FAMILY WORDS
Why is “DIATRIBE” in the Purple 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
▼Purple group — ENDING IN FAMILY WORDS
Why is “DECLAN” in the Purple 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: a crucial or fundamental element
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a device for operating a lock
- BASIC
- Definition: fundamental or elementary
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a type of computer programming language
- PRINCIPAL
- Definition: most important or primary
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to the head of a school
- 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 individuals that provide care or nurturing to others, such as a mother or a nurse.
Green group: ELEMENTARY
These are all terms that relate to fundamental or introductory concepts, such as basic or primary levels of education.
Blue group: JAMESES
These are all notable individuals with the first name James, including athletes, musicians, and historical figures.
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
“KEY”
Seems like it belongs to: JAMESES
Actually belongs to: ELEMENTARY
James Key was an American lawyer, but 'key' is more fundamental to the concept of being elementary
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 “KEY” didn't go with JAMESES
Seems like: JAMESES → Actually: ELEMENTARY
James Key was an American lawyer, but 'key' is more fundamental to the concept of being elementary