Purple group — ASTRONOMICAL TERMS PLUS A LETTER
Why is “COMETH” in the Purple group?
a term related to a comet with a letter added, forming a word
Connections Hints for February 28, 2026 #992
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Yellow Category — February 28, 2026
Green Category — February 28, 2026
Blue Category — February 28, 2026
Purple Category — February 28, 2026
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Purple group — ASTRONOMICAL TERMS PLUS A LETTER
Why is “NOVAK” in the Purple group?
a term related to a nova with a letter added, forming a surname
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (February 28, 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.
- COMETH
- Definition: a term related to astronomical objects with a letter added
- Why it's tricky: its similarity to 'come' can mislead solvers
- NOVAK
- Definition: a term related to astronomical objects with a letter added
- Why it's tricky: its similarity to 'novel' or 'nova' can confuse solvers
- RUSTLE
- Definition: a name homophone
- Why it's tricky: its multiple meanings, including a verb and a surname, can mislead solvers
- START
- Definition: a term related to astronomical objects with a letter added
- Why it's tricky: its common usage as a verb can distract from its connection to astronomy
Connections #992 explained
Why these words connect (February 28, 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: CRAVING
These words all describe strong desires or needs that motivate people to take action, such as a desire for food or a physical urge.
Green group: JOBS THAT INVOLVE TRAVELING
These jobs all involve traveling to different locations, whether by air, land, or sea, and often require workers to be away from home for extended periods.
Blue group: NAME HOMOPHONES
These words are all homophones of names, meaning they sound the same when pronounced, but have different meanings and spellings.
Purple group: ASTRONOMICAL TERMS PLUS A LETTER
These words are all related to astronomy, with an additional letter added to form a new word, such as a comet or a star.
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.
“NOVAK”
Seems like it belongs to: NAME HOMOPHONES
Actually belongs to: ASTRONOMICAL TERMS PLUS A LETTER
Novak seems like a name, but it's actually related to astronomical terms with a letter added.
“RUSTLE”
Seems like it belongs to: CRAVING
Actually belongs to: NAME HOMOPHONES
Rustle sounds like a craving, but it's actually a name homophone.
“START”
Seems like it belongs to: JOBS THAT INVOLVE TRAVELING
Actually belongs to: ASTRONOMICAL TERMS PLUS A LETTER
Start seems like a job that involves traveling, but it's actually related to astronomical terms with a letter added.
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “NOVAK” didn't go with NAME HOMOPHONES
Seems like: NAME HOMOPHONES → Actually: ASTRONOMICAL TERMS PLUS A LETTER
Novak seems like a name, but it's actually related to astronomical terms with a letter added.
Why “RUSTLE” didn't go with CRAVING
Seems like: CRAVING → Actually: NAME HOMOPHONES
Rustle sounds like a craving, but it's actually a name homophone.
Why “START” didn't go with JOBS THAT INVOLVE TRAVELING
Seems like: JOBS THAT INVOLVE TRAVELING → Actually: ASTRONOMICAL TERMS PLUS A LETTER
Start seems like a job that involves traveling, but it's actually related to astronomical terms with a letter added.