The New York Times Connections puzzle challenges players to sort 16 seemingly unrelated words into four connected groups. Each group shares a hidden link. Today’s grid blends physical actions, clever rearrangements, and nostalgic references, making it both playful and slightly deceptive. Below you’ll find gentle hints to guide your thinking, followed by the complete solutions once you’re ready to check your work.
NYT Connections Puzzle Overview: 9 February 2026
The 9 February 2026 Connections puzzle strikes a nice balance between straightforward categories and one group that hinges on phrasing rather than definition. Several words appear versatile enough to fit multiple ideas, which can lead to early missteps. Solvers likely felt confident with one or two groups quickly, then had to untangle subtler relationships to finish the grid cleanly.
NYT Connections Hints: 9 February 2026
Category 1:
- Think about professional creative work
- Related to publishing or contracts
- Often discussed in writing careers
- Involves compensation
Category 2:
- Physical objects
- Commonly found in a craft setting
- Used together in a single activity
- Associated with fabric or thread
Category 3:
- Abstract nouns
- Ways of doing something
- Often interchangeable in sentences
- Describe how an action is carried out
Category 4:
- Focus on a shared phrase
- Each word completes the same expression
- Common in idioms or sayings
- The missing word changes meaning slightly
NYT Connections Answers: 9 February 2026
Here are the answers, grouped by category.
Category 1:
Category 2:
Category 3:
Category 4:
Conclusion & Quick Strategy Tip
The 9 February 2026 Connections puzzle balances straightforward action words with trickier conceptual links, making it satisfying once everything clicks. Quick strategy tip: lock in obvious verb groups early, then examine remaining words for structural patterns or shared cultural references.
