Yellow group — BACKSTABBER
Why is “TURNCOAT” in the Yellow group?
a person who betrays a trust or switches allegiance
Connections Hints for February 27, 2026 #991
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 27, 2026 #991
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 2026-02-27. 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 27, 2026
Green Category — February 27, 2026
Blue Category — February 27, 2026
Purple Category — February 27, 2026
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Blue group — KINDS OF CHAIN REACTION "EFFECTS"
Why is “SNOWBALL” in the Blue group?
a type of chain reaction effect, where a small event grows rapidly
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (February 27, 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.
- BENCH
- Definition: a type of press, as in weightlifting
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a piece of furniture
- AIR
- Definition: the atmosphere or mood
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to the invisible gaseous substance
- DOMINO
- Definition: a type of chain reaction effect
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to the game or the pizza chain
- RIPPLE
- Definition: a type of chain reaction effect
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a small wave or a disturbance
Connections #991 explained
Why these words connect (February 27, 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: BACKSTABBER
These words all describe individuals or entities that have committed acts of treachery or deception, often in a surprising or unexpected manner, such as Judas Iscariot's infamous betrayal of Jesus.
Green group: AURA
These words all relate to the intangible, yet palpable, qualities that surround or emanate from a person, place, or thing, such as the aura of a mystical or spiritual presence.
Blue group: KINDS OF CHAIN REACTION "EFFECTS"
These words all describe the various types of chain reaction effects, where a small event or action triggers a larger, often unpredictable, sequence of events, such as the butterfly effect or a domino effect.
Purple group: ___ PRESS
These words all complete the phrase '___ press', which can refer to various types of presses, such as a bench press or a printing press, highlighting the diverse range of meanings and applications of the word 'press'.
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.
“SNAKE”
Seems like it belongs to: KINDS OF CHAIN REACTION "EFFECTS"
Actually belongs to: BACKSTABBER
while snakes can cause chain reactions, this word is actually a type of backstabber
“DRILL”
Seems like it belongs to: KINDS OF CHAIN REACTION "EFFECTS"
Actually belongs to: ___ PRESS
while drills can cause chain reactions, this word is actually a type of press
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “SNAKE” didn't go with KINDS OF CHAIN REACTION "EFFECTS"
Seems like: KINDS OF CHAIN REACTION "EFFECTS" → Actually: BACKSTABBER
while snakes can cause chain reactions, this word is actually a type of backstabber
Why “DRILL” didn't go with KINDS OF CHAIN REACTION "EFFECTS"
Seems like: KINDS OF CHAIN REACTION "EFFECTS" → Actually: ___ PRESS
while drills can cause chain reactions, this word is actually a type of press