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: 27 February 2026
Today’s grid leaned heavily on conceptual connections rather than concrete objects. Solvers likely spotted one emotionally charged category early, while the more abstract “effect” grouping may have required deeper thinking. A satisfying word-structure category rounded things out, rewarding players who considered common phrases instead of definitions.
NYT Connections Hints: 27 February 2026
Category 1:
- Think of someone who betrays trust.
- Words describing disloyal behavior.
- Often used as insults.
- Associated with deception or double-crossing.
Category 2:
- Describes a vibe or atmosphere.
- The way something feels or comes across.
- Not physical, but perceptible.
- Often used in reviews or descriptions of people.
Category 3:
- One action leads to another.
- Small beginnings, bigger outcomes.
- Metaphors involving motion or growth.
- Frequently used in storytelling and science discussions.
Category 4:
- A common word follows each of these.
- Think of compound phrases.
- Can relate to exercise, journalism, or manufacturing.
- All form familiar two-word terms.
NYT Connections Answers: 27 February 2026
Here are the answers, grouped by category.
Category 1:
Category 2:
Category 3:
Category 4:
Conclusion & Quick Strategy Tip
The 27 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.
