NYT Connections Today, Monday February 23: Hints, Clues & Answers (Game #988)

NYT Connections 23 February, 2026: Word puzzles are having a moment. According to The New York Times, its games portfolio, which includes Wordle and Connections, now reaches millions of daily players worldwide among them, The New York Times has turned Connections into a daily ritual for readers who enjoy pattern recognition and lateral thinking. Game #988 for Monday, February 23, continues that trend with a mix of wordplay, misdirection and clever thematic links.

What is NYT Connections?

Connections is a daily word-association puzzle published by The New York Times where players are given 16 words and must sort them into four groups of four based on a shared link. Each group is color-coded by difficulty:

• Green: Easiest
• Yellow: Moderate
• Blue: Challenging
• Purple: Most difficult

You can make up to four mistakes before the game ends, which adds pressure but also room for trial and error.

How to Play NYT Connections

• Review the 16 words displayed on the grid.
• Look for four words that share a clear connection.
• Select them and submit as a group.
• If correct, the set locks in with a color label.
• Avoid four incorrect submissions, or the puzzle ends.
• Use elimination to narrow down tougher categories.

Today’s Connections Words for 23 February (Monday)

• NEW YEAR'S EVE
• VOLCANO
• MASQUERADE
• PARTY HAT
• CHRISTMAS
• TREE
• MISTLETOE
• GORGE
• BLUFF
• POSTURE
• CONE
• WEDDING
• BOLT
• SCARF
• BLARNEY STONE
• INHALE
• FRONT

Today’s Connections Hints for 23 February (Monday)

• Purple: Romantic or ceremonial kiss spots
• Blue: Acting or pretending
• Yellow: Eating with enthusiasm
• Green: Objects shaped like a funnel

NYT Connections Answers for 23 February (#988)

• Purple – SETTINGS FOR A KISS: BLARNEY STONE, MISTLETOE, NEW YEAR'S EVE, WEDDING
• Blue – POSE: BLUFF, FRONT, MASQUERADE, POSTURE
• Yellow – EAT VORACIOUSLY: BOLT, GORGE, INHALE, SCARF
• Green – CONICAL THINGS: CHRISTMAS TREE, CONE, PARTY HAT, VOLCANO

YESTERDAY'S NYT CONNECTIONS ANSWERS (SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, GAME #987)

• Yellow – ONE WHO DOESN'T FIT IN: BLACK SHEEP, MISFIT, OUTCAST, REJECT
• Green – DESCRIPTORS FOR GRAYING HAIR: DISTINGUISHED, FLECKED, SALT-AND-PEPPER, SILVER
• Blue – CLASSIC COMIC STRIPS: BLONDIE, BLOOM COUNTY, PEANUTS, THE FAR SIDE
• Purple – ASSOCIATED WITH THEODORE ROOSEVELT: BIG STICK, BULL MOOSE, ROUGH RIDERS, TEDDY BEAR

FAQ’s: NYT Connections

1. Is Connections free to play?

Yes, it is available daily on the NYT Games platform.

2. How many mistakes are allowed?

Players can make up to four incorrect groupings.

3. Do categories repeat?

Themes vary daily, though some patterns such as wordplay and synonyms recur.

4. Is it harder than Wordle?

Many players find it more complex due to multiple categories and overlapping meanings.

5. What time does the puzzle reset?

A new puzzle typically appears at midnight local time.

6. What is the Blarney Stone?

The Blarney Stone is a historic limestone block set into the walls of Blarney Castle in Ireland.