NYT Connections Puzzle #976 Solved: Hints and Solution Revealed

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The New York Times' daily word puzzle Connections presented a tricky challenge on February 12, 2026, as players struggled to sort 16 words into four hidden groups. While some words seemed to fit together at first glance, the real links were more clever and deceptive. This article provides hints and the full solution to the puzzle, breaking down the four themed groups that players had to identify.

Why it matters

Connections is a popular daily brain teaser that tests players' ability to find the underlying connections between seemingly unrelated words. The game's difficulty lies in its tendency to present misleading word associations that distract from the true thematic groupings. Providing guidance on solving these puzzles helps players improve their critical thinking skills and appreciation for the clever design of the game.

The details

In Connections, players are shown 16 words and must sort them into four groups of four, with each group sharing a common theme. The February 12th puzzle included words related to entertainment, building terms, baseball slang, and phrases that can precede the word "Queen." Many players were led astray by false connections, such as grouping "Yank" and "Drag" together, when in reality those words belonged to different themed sets.

• The Connections puzzle is a daily challenge that resets every day, providing players with a fresh brain workout.