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: 25 February 2026
Today’s board felt balanced but layered. One category leaned on common phrases, another focused on education vocabulary, one highlighted well-known public figures sharing a first name, and the last required spotting a hidden letter pattern. It was the kind of puzzle where early confidence could quickly turn into second-guessing.
NYT Connections Hints: 25 February 2026
Category 1:
- Think of expressions related to raising or looking after someone
- These words can follow the same two-word phrase
- Each term suggests caregiving in a different context
- Often used when discussing guardianship or support
Category 2:
- All four words relate to early education
- You might see these on a school brochure
- They describe foundational learning stages or roles
- Think of what comes before high school
Category 3:
- These are surnames of famous athletes
- They all share the same first name
- Think basketball legends and stars
- A single common male name connects them
Category 4:
- Focus on how each word ends
- The shared element is a three-letter family word
- It appears right at the tail end
- Spotting the pattern unlocks the set quickly
NYT Connections Answers: 25 February 2026
Here are the answers, grouped by category.
Category 1:
Category 2:
Category 3:
Category 4:
Conclusion & Quick Strategy Tip
The 25 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.
