Yellow group — PIVOTAL POINT
Why is “WATERSHED” in the Yellow group?
a point in time that marks a significant change or turning point
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
Want to see NYT Connections hints? Below you'll find complete solutions and explanations. Want to try solving it yourself first? Visit the NYT Connections game 2026-02-26. Looking for today's NYT Connections hint? Head to our home page or play today's connection game here.
Navigation tip: Use the arrows below to browse through past puzzles. Each puzzle is organized from easiest (yellow) to hardest (purple) categories.
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, especially one used as a symbol of 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 of a joke's elements
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to the scheduling or coordination of events
- SETUP
- Definition: the introduction to a joke
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to the preparation or arrangement of something
- CALLBACK
- Definition: a comedic reference to a previous joke
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a return phone call or a recall of a product
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 turning points, such as a crossroads in life or a milestone achievement.
Green group: GREEN THINGS
These are all things that are typically green in color, such as a shamrock or a grasshopper, or have a green appearance, like the Statue of Liberty.
Blue group: ELEMENTS OF JOKE-TELLING
These are all key elements of telling a joke, including the setup, punchline, and timing, as well as the use of callbacks to reference previous jokes.
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 to get someone's attention or introduce a performance.
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 also green due to its copper exterior, making it a member of the GREEN THINGS group
“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 also green due to its copper exterior, making it a member of the GREEN THINGS group
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