Connections Hints: Feb 14, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connections puzzle published on Feb 14, 2026 (2026-02-14). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdown when you're ready.

Meta: Puzzle #1033

Puzzle #1033 · 2026-02-14

Step through today’s Connections hints

Start with broad themes, then reveal more detail about the groups and tiles only when you need it. The final button shows today's full group breakdown.

Puzzle reference: Connections #1033 for 2026-02-14, edition main, with a standard four-group board. Spoiler categories and tiles stay collapsed until you open the hint layers below.

Hint 1 – overall theme

There are 4 groups in today’s puzzle.

Themes include: UPTICK, PROTUBERANCE, TOM HANKS ROLES and 1 more.

Hint 2 – group titles

Here are the category names for each group. Try matching the tiles in the official game to these themes before you reveal any tiles.

UPTICK
PROTUBERANCE
TOM HANKS ROLES
WORDS BEFORE "MINT"

Hint 3 – group tiles

Reveal the tiles for each group. If you only want a partial nudge, stop after reading one or two groups and go back to the official puzzle.

UPTICK

HIKE

JUMP

RISE

SPIKE

PROTUBERANCE

BUMP

HUMP

LUMP

MOUND

TOM HANKS ROLES

GUMP

PHILLIPS

SULLY

WOODY

WORDS BEFORE "MINT"

BREATH

JUNIOR

PEPPER

SPEAR

Reveal full answer

This is the full breakdown of today's Connections puzzle: group titles and all tiles, grouped together.