Green group — PIVOTAL POINT
Why is “WATERSHED” in the Green group?
a point in time that marks a significant change or turning point
Connections Hints 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, 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
- CALLBACK
- Definition: a comedic reference to a previous joke
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a return phone call or a software function
- SETUP
- Definition: the preparation for a joke's punchline
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to the arrangement of equipment or a preliminary configuration
- TIMING
- Definition: the delivery of a joke at a strategic moment
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to the coordination of events or the measurement of time
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 that describe a crucial or decisive point in time, often marking a change or turning point. They are connected by their connotation of importance and significance.
Green group: GREEN THINGS
These are all things that are typically green in color, including plants, objects, and symbols. They are connected by their shared association with the color green.
Blue group: ELEMENTS OF JOKE-TELLING
These are all essential parts of telling a joke, including the setup, delivery, and timing. They are connected by their role in creating a humorous experience.
Purple group: "___ PLEASE"
These are all words that can be used to complete the phrase "___ please", often to get attention or introduce something. They are connected by their function as polite or formal 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, its green color is the reason it belongs to the GREEN THINGS category
“LANDMARK”
Seems like it belongs to: GREEN THINGS
Actually belongs to: PIVOTAL POINT
although some landmarks may be green, the word LANDMARK refers to a significant point in time or location, not just a green object
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, its green color is the reason it belongs to the GREEN THINGS category
Why “LANDMARK” didn't go with GREEN THINGS
Seems like: GREEN THINGS → Actually: PIVOTAL POINT
although some landmarks may be green, the word LANDMARK refers to a significant point in time or location, not just a green object