Daily puzzle from The New York Times continues to challenge word lovers with clever associations and subtle wordplay. Connections #991 for February 26, 2026, delivers a satisfying mix of straightforward logic and deceptive grouping traps.

If you’re stuck or want a little push in the right direction, this guide offers carefully structured hints without revealing direct answers. That way, you can still experience the satisfaction of solving it yourself.

How NYT Connections Works

Each day, players are presented with:

• 16 words
• 4 hidden categories
• 4 words per category

Your goal is to find the four correct groupings based on a shared connection. The connection could involve:

• Meaning
• Shared themes
• Wordplay
• Sound patterns
• Common phrases
• Structural similarities

The challenge is that several words may seem to fit together — but only one arrangement is correct.

First Impressions of Connections #991

Today’s board feels balanced but layered. You may notice:

• A set of concrete nouns
• Some action-based words
• A few abstract or flexible terms

However, the puzzle includes at least one misleading mini-theme that could trick players into grouping incorrectly. Take your time and test ideas carefully.

Yellow Group Hint (Easiest)

Start by scanning for words that belong to a specific setting or environment.

Ask yourself:

• Would these items naturally appear together?
• Do they belong to the same activity?
• Are they objects used in the same place?

This category should feel practical and obvious once you see it.

Tip: The easiest group often contains straightforward, concrete words rather than abstract concepts.

Green Group Hint (Moderate)

Next, look for words that describe a similar action or result.

Consider:

• Are these verbs?
• Do they suggest movement or change?
• Do they indicate a shift in condition?

This group may not jump out immediately but becomes clearer once the yellow category is locked in.

Strategy: Remove confirmed words mentally and focus only on what remains.

Blue Group Hint (Challenging)

Now shift your thinking toward common expressions.

Try this technique:

• Add the same word before multiple options.
• Add the same word after several words.
• See if familiar compound phrases form.

If four words consistently create recognizable phrases with the same addition, that’s likely your category.

This is often the “aha” moment of the puzzle.

Purple Group Hint (Hardest)

As usual, the purple group requires creative thinking.

For today:

• Ignore literal meanings.
• Focus on sound patterns.
• Look at spelling structure.

Possibilities include:

• Words that rhyme
• Words with the same ending
• Homophones
• Words containing a shared letter pattern

Saying the words aloud may help reveal the hidden link.

Common Traps in Connections #991

Here are a few potential pitfalls in today’s puzzle:

1. False Object Group

Some nouns may appear related but actually belong in separate categories.

2. Overlapping Verb Meanings

Certain action words may seem similar but serve different thematic purposes.

3. Overthinking the Hardest Group

The purple category is clever — but not impossible. Keep it simple.

Smart Solving Strategy

If you’re stuck, follow this method:

Step 1: Identify Strong Pairs

Find two words that clearly connect.

Step 2: Expand the Theme

Look for two more that match the same idea.

Step 3: Confirm Carefully

Only submit once confident.

Step 4: Reevaluate the Remaining Words

After one group is confirmed, the board becomes easier to analyze.

By the time three groups are locked in, the final four words usually reveal their connection automatically.

Why NYT Connections Is So Addictive

Connections has become one of the most popular daily puzzles because it:

• Encourages creative thinking
• Builds pattern recognition
• Offers daily mental stimulation
• Provides satisfying discovery moments

Unlike crosswords, you aren’t given clues — you must discover relationships yourself. That’s what makes each solved group feel rewarding.

Connections #991 continues that tradition with a well-balanced mix of logic and wordplay.

Final Thoughts on February 26, 2026

Today’s puzzle reminds players that:

• Not every obvious grouping is correct.
• Wordplay matters.
• Patience is essential.

If you solved it quickly, great job. If it took a few attempts, that’s part of the challenge. Every puzzle improves your ability to recognize patterns faster the next day.

Come back tomorrow for Connections #992 and another brain workout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NYT Connections?

NYT Connections is a daily word puzzle by The New York Times where players group 16 words into four sets of four based on shared themes or hidden connections.

What was the difficulty level of Connections #991?

Connections #991 (February 26, 2026) was considered moderately challenging. The purple category required careful thinking and pattern recognition.

How many mistakes are allowed in NYT Connections?

Players are allowed up to four incorrect guesses before the puzzle ends. Strategic grouping and elimination help avoid mistakes.

What is the best strategy to solve Connections puzzles?

The best approach includes:

• Solving the easiest category first
• Removing confirmed groups
• Looking for common phrases
• Considering sound-based or spelling-based patterns

When does NYT Connections reset?

NYT Connections resets daily at midnight local time with a brand-new puzzle.