The New York Times Connections puzzle asks you to divide 16 words into four secret groups of four. Each group is tied together by a shared idea, definition, or phrase. Today’s grid leans heavily on word meanings and familiar pairings, with one sneaky category that hinges on the phrase that comes before each word. It’s a satisfying mix of vocabulary, economics, and a bit of roller‑rink fun.
Below you’ll find light hints first, then the full set of solutions further down the page.
NYT Connections Puzzle Overview: 11 February 2026
Here are the 16 words from today’s Connections puzzle:
BAG, BLOCK, BRICK, CAKE, COASTER, DERBY, GAIN, MOON, NET, PINE, PUCK, RETURN, RINK, SWOON, YEARN, YIELD
At first glance, a few themes may jump out—there are financial terms, obvious sports references, and some clearly romantic verbs. The challenge is sorting out which ones truly belong together and which are placed as misdirection. One group is all about feelings of infatuation, another zooms in on profit, a third focuses on compact lumps, and the last relies on a shared word that can precede each answer.
If you’re stuck, start by clustering synonyms—you’ll likely land one entire category quickly. After that, look at which leftovers can be linked by the same prefix or by a concrete image.
NYT Connections Hints: 11 February 2026
Use the hints below if you want a nudge without seeing the full answers.
Category 1:
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Think about how it feels to be completely smitten
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These words describe romantic longing or dizzy affection
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You might use them when talking about a crush you can’t stop thinking about
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Imagine someone daydreaming instead of focusing on anything else
Category 2:
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All about money that comes in, not goes out
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These words show up in finance, investing, or business reports
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Each can describe profit or the result of a smart investment
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Think of what appears on the “plus” side of a balance sheet
Category 3:
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Picture something small but solid and dense
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These words could describe a chunk, lump, or solid piece of material
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Several are things you could literally hold in your hand
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One is a dessert, but here its shape matters more than its flavor
Category 4:
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Add the same word in front of each to make a common phrase
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Think of a hobby involving wheels, speed, and sometimes a rink
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One of these is a place, others are things tied to the sport
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If you’ve ever loved skating, this group should click instantly
NYT Connections Answers: 11 February 2026
Ready for the full solution? Here are today’s groups, listed from easiest to trickiest.
Category 1:
Category 2:
Category 3:
Category 4:
Conclusion & Quick Strategy Tip
The 11 February 2026 Connections puzzle combines straightforward synonym groups with a couple of clever structural twists. Once the romantic verbs fall into place, it becomes easier to see the financial terminology and the solid “lump” words, leaving the roller-themed phrases as the final reveal. Recognizing that “ROLLER ___” group is often the key to unlocking the whole grid.
Quick strategy tip: after grouping obvious synonyms, always scan the remaining words to see if one word can precede or follow all of them. Prefix and suffix themes (like “ROLLER ___”) are a recurring favorite in Connections and can turn a scattered set of leftovers into a clean, satisfying solve.
