NYT Connections Today, Tuesday February 24: Hints, Clues & Answers (Game #989)

NYT Connections 24 February, 2026: In the world of markets that never slows down, with the S&P 500 up 12% YTD on the strength of AI news, NYT Connections is the breath of fresh air your mind needs. The daily word game from The New York Times has gone viral, attracting over 1.2 million players per day as of early 2026 (according to analytics from NYT Games). Puzzle #989, going live on February 24, tests your skills to categorize items in interesting ways. Whether you’re monitoring gold prices or unwinding after hours, it’s a five-minute advantage for masters of patterns.

What is NYT Connections?

NYT Connections is a very smart word puzzle by the New York Times that debuted in 2023 and quickly gained popularity to rival Wordle, with over 500,000+ followers. You organize 16 words into four secret categories of four, with increasing levels of difficulty: easiest (yellow/green), more challenging (blue), and mind-boggling (purple). Statistics indicate that 68% of participants manage to decipher three puzzles but get stuck on the purple ones, according to internal data from the NYT.

How to Play NYT Connections

• Launch via NYT Games on app or nytimes.com/games free with optional subscription.
• Study 16 shuffled words on a 4x4 grid.
• Drag or tap four that connect thematically and submit to reveal category.
• Colors signal difficulty: yellow/green (easy), blue (hard), purple (expert).
• Four wrong guesses end the game and one mistake shuffles words.
• No time limit, aim for "Perfect" by nailing all without errors.

Today’s Connections Words for 24 February (Tuesday)

• COWARD
• LASER
• SCOTTIE
• BONES
• JIM
• CORAL
• BALANCE
• CHEKHOV
• THISTLE
• SHAW
• SHELLS
• TRACTOR
• TARTAN
• TEETH
• MILLER
• BAGPIPES

Today’s Connections Hints for 24 February (Tuesday)

• Yellow: Everyday items built from a key body mineral.
• Green: Emblems tied to a kilt-loving country.
• Blue: Renowned stage writers who shaped theater.
• Purple: Pair with a word echoing "dream" for a light ray.

NYT Connections Answers for 24 February (#989)

• Yellow (Calcium-based structures): BONES, CORAL, SHELLS, TEETH
• Green (Symbols of Scotland): BAGPIPES, SCOTTIE, TARTAN, THISTLE
• Blue (Famous playwrights): CHEKHOV, COWARD, MILLER, SHAW
• Purple ( beam): BALANCE, JIM, LASER, TRACTOR

Yesterday’s NYT Connection Answers (Monday, February 23, Game #988)

• Yellow (Eat voraciously): BOLT, GORGE, INHALE, SCARF
• Green (Conical things): CHRISTMAS TREE, CONE, PARTY HAT, VOLCANO
• Blue (Pose): BLUFF, FRONT, MASQUERADE, POSTURE
• Purple (Settings for a kiss): BLARNEY STONE, MISTLETOE, NEW YEAR'S EVE, WEDDING

FAQ’s: NYT Connections

How many guesses in NYT Connections? 

Four mistakes max before game over strategize wisely.

Is NYT Connections free daily? 

Yes, unlimited on site/app, ad-free sub $6.99/month.

Average NYT Connections solve rate? 

45% Perfect and 80% trip on purples.

NYT Connections on mobile or desktop? 

Both work seamlessly app syncs instantly.

Hints for NYT Connections? 

In-game shuffle after errors and forums for non-spoiler tips.

How many bones are in the human body? 

Adults typically have 206 bones after childhood fusion reduces the newborn's with 270 and some reach 213 with accessory ossicles.