The daily challenge from The Modern York Times Connections is proving popular with word puzzle enthusiasts, and today’s game, released February 22, 2026, is no exception. Players are tasked with grouping sixteen words into four categories of four, testing their vocabulary, lateral thinking, and pattern recognition skills. If you’re stuck and seeking a little support, we’ve got the hints and solutions for today’s puzzle, #987.
For those new to the game, Connections requires a bit of deduction. The categories aren’t always obvious, and sometimes rely on wordplay or subtle connections. The game categorizes the difficulty of each group with colors: yellow for the easiest, followed by green, blue, and the most challenging, purple. Successfully identifying a group reveals the category and its corresponding difficulty level. The New York Times also offers a Connections Bot, similar to the one for Wordle, allowing players to analyze their performance and receive a numeric score after completing the puzzle.
Registered users of The New York Times Games section can now track their progress, including puzzles completed, win rate, perfect scores, and win streaks, adding another layer of engagement to the popular game. But let’s get to today’s clues and answers.
Connections Hints for February 22, 2026
Here are four hints, ranked from easiest to most difficult, to guide you through today’s Connections puzzle:
- Yellow Group Hint: Not popular.
- Green Group Hint: Like George Clooney, maybe.
- Blue Group Hint: Doonesbury also.
- Purple Group Hint: The 26th US president.
Connections Answers for February 22, 2026
Ready to reveal the answers? Here’s a breakdown of each category:
Yellow: One Who Doesn’t Fit In
The theme for the yellow category is individuals who are considered outsiders. The four words are: black sheep, misfit, outcast, and reject.
Green: Descriptors for Graying Hair
This green category focuses on terms used to describe hair as it turns gray. The answers are: distinguished, flecked, salt-and-pepper, and silver.
Blue: Classic Comic Strips
The blue category brings together some beloved names from the world of comic strips. The solutions are: Blondie, Bloom County, Peanuts, and The Far Side.
Purple: Associated with Theodore Roosevelt
The most challenging purple category centers around associations with the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. The answers are: large stick, Bull Moose, Rough Riders, and teddy bear.
Successfully completing today’s Connections puzzle requires a blend of vocabulary, knowledge of pop culture, and historical awareness. The game continues to be a daily mental workout for puzzle fans.
What did you consider of today’s puzzle? Share your solving experience and strategies in the comments below!
