Green group — ENDING IN FAMILY WORDS
Why is “DIATRIBE” in the Green group?
a bitter and sharply abusive lecture or verbal attack
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
▼Green group — ENDING IN FAMILY WORDS
Why is “DECLAN” in the Green 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 individuals that provide care or nurturing to others, such as a mother or a nurse. They are all connected by their caregiving responsibilities.
Green group: ELEMENTARY
These are all terms that relate to basic or fundamental concepts, such as primary education or key principles. They are all connected by their association with foundational ideas.
Blue group: JAMESES
These are all individuals with the first name James, including famous people such as James Brown, James Cook, and James Dean. They are all connected by their shared first name.
Purple group: ENDING IN FAMILY WORDS
These are all words that end with suffixes related to family, such as '-ine' or '-kin'. They are all connected by their shared suffixes.
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 might lead to confusion with the 'CARE FOR' category
“BROWN”
Seems like it belongs to: ELEMENTARY
Actually belongs to: JAMESES
brown can refer to a color or a surname, and while it might seem related to 'elementary' due to the brown color of some school materials, it actually belongs to the 'JAMESES' category
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 might lead to confusion with the 'CARE FOR' category
Why “BROWN” didn't go with ELEMENTARY
Seems like: ELEMENTARY → Actually: JAMESES
brown can refer to a color or a surname, and while it might seem related to 'elementary' due to the brown color of some school materials, it actually belongs to the 'JAMESES' category