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Issue #987 Sun 22 Feb

NYT Connections Hints & Answer — February 22, 2026

Four distinct groupings offer a steady progression from direct synonyms to historical trivia. Watch the interplay between the two wordplay-heavy categories, as the grid rewards those who keep their cultural references separate.

Hints are being reviewed

The verified answer is available below, but the progressive clues for February 22, 2026 have not passed editorial review yet.

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  1. Reveal the yellow group
    ONE WHO DOESN'T FIT IN

    BLACK SHEEP · MISFIT · OUTCAST · REJECT

  2. Reveal the green group
    DESCRIPTORS FOR GRAYING HAIR

    DISTINGUISHED · FLECKED · SALT-AND-PEPPER · SILVER

  3. Reveal the blue group
    CLASSIC COMIC STRIPS

    BLONDIE · BLOOM COUNTY · PEANUTS · THE FAR SIDE

  4. Reveal the violet group
    ASSOCIATED WITH THEODORE ROOSEVELT

    BIG STICK · BULL MOOSE · ROUGH RIDERS · TEDDY BEAR

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Today

Difficulty
Stiff
At a glance
4 groups · 16 words

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