Green group — GREEN THINGS
Why is “WATERSHED” in the Green group?
a green or environmentally-focused area, such as a nature reserve
Connections Hints for February 26, 2026 #990
Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for February 26, 2026 #990
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Yellow Category — February 26, 2026
Green Category — February 26, 2026
Blue Category — February 26, 2026
Purple Category — February 26, 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 — GREEN THINGS
Why is “SHAMROCK” in the Green group?
a three-leafed plant, traditionally associated with Ireland
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (February 26, 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.
- LANDMARK
- Definition: a significant event or point in time
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a notable location or building
- TIMING
- Definition: the delivery or pacing of a joke
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to the scheduling or coordination of events
- SETUP
- Definition: the introduction or premise of a joke
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to the preparation or arrangement of equipment or a situation
- CALLBACK
- Definition: a reference to a previous joke or element
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a return phone call or a request for further information
Connections #990 explained
Why these words connect (February 26, 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: PIVOTAL POINT
These are all terms used to describe important moments or changes in a process or journey, such as a crossroads in a decision-making process or a milestone in a project
Green group: GREEN THINGS
These are all things that are typically green in color, such as a grasshopper or a shamrock, or have a strong association with the color green, like the Statue of Liberty's patina
Blue group: ELEMENTS OF JOKE-TELLING
These are all key elements of crafting and delivering a joke, including the setup, punchline, and timing, as well as the use of callbacks to reference previous jokes or elements
Purple group: "___ PLEASE"
These are all words that can be used to complete the phrase '___ please', such as 'attention please' or 'check please', often used in formal or polite requests
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.
“STATUE OF LIBERTY”
Seems like it belongs to: PIVOTAL POINT
Actually belongs to: GREEN THINGS
while the Statue of Liberty is a landmark, it is included in the GREEN THINGS category due to its green patina
“LANDMARK”
Seems like it belongs to: GREEN THINGS
Actually belongs to: PIVOTAL POINT
while a landmark can be a notable location, in this context it refers to a significant event or point in time
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “STATUE OF LIBERTY” didn't go with PIVOTAL POINT
Seems like: PIVOTAL POINT → Actually: GREEN THINGS
while the Statue of Liberty is a landmark, it is included in the GREEN THINGS category due to its green patina
Why “LANDMARK” didn't go with GREEN THINGS
Seems like: GREEN THINGS → Actually: PIVOTAL POINT
while a landmark can be a notable location, in this context it refers to a significant event or point in time