The Fresh York Times’ daily puzzle, Connections, continues to challenge word enthusiasts, and today’s game, #981, is no exception. Released on February 16, 2026, the puzzle tasks players with grouping sixteen words into four categories of four, testing vocabulary, pattern recognition, and a bit of lateral thinking. For those seeking a little nudge, or a full reveal, here’s a breakdown of the clues and solutions for today’s Connections.
Connections, which launched in June 2023, has quickly become a popular fixture for many, second only to Wordle in terms of player engagement within The New York Times Games portfolio, according to The New York Times. The game’s editor, Wyna Liu, crafts each daily puzzle, aiming for a balance of accessibility and difficulty. Players can now track their progress, including win rates and streaks, if registered with The New York Times Games section. A “Connections Bot” is too available, offering a numeric score and analysis of a player’s approach.
Hints for Today’s Connections Puzzle
If you prefer a gentle assist before diving into the solutions, here are hints for each category, progressing from the easiest (yellow) to the most challenging (purple). These are designed to point you in the right direction without giving away the answers outright.
Yellow Group Hint: Decent joke!
Green Group Hint: They all sound like Homer Simpson.
Blue Group Hint: Bwack-bwack!
Purple Group Hint: Oh no! What now?
Connections Answers for February 16, 2026
Ready to see how you fared? Here are the solutions to today’s Connections puzzle. Be warned: spoilers ahead!
Yellow Category: Knee Slappers
The words in this category all represent things that cause hearty laughter. The answers are: hoot, laugh, riot, and scream.
Green Category: Homophones
This group consists of words that sound alike but have different meanings and spellings. The solutions are: do, doe, doh, and dough.
Blue Category: Sounds a Chicken Makes
These words all represent vocalizations produced by chickens. The answers are: buck, cackle, cluck, and squawk.
Purple Category: Stress Responses
This proved to be the most difficult category, encompassing instinctive reactions to perceived threats. The solutions are: fawn, fight, flight, and freeze.
The completed NYT Connections puzzle for Feb. 16, 2026.
Looking Back at Tougher Puzzles
For those interested in seeing some of the most challenging Connections puzzles to date, CNET has compiled a list. These puzzles, including one featuring “things you can set” (mood, record, table, volleyball) and another with “streets on screen” (Elm, Fear, Jump, Sesame), can offer insight into the types of connections to look for in future games. You can find the full list here.
The daily challenge of Connections continues tomorrow with a new grid of words and a fresh set of categories. Keep an eye on time.news for future hints and solutions as we continue to cover this popular word game.
What did you think of today’s puzzle? Share your experience and strategies in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow Connections players!
