Connections Hints: Feb 16, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connections puzzle published on Feb 16, 2026 (2026-02-16). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdown when you're ready.

Meta: Puzzle #1039

Puzzle #1039 · 2026-02-16

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 #1039 for 2026-02-16, 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: KNEE SLAPPER, HOMOPHONES, SOUNDS A CHICKEN MAKES 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.

KNEE SLAPPER
HOMOPHONES
SOUNDS A CHICKEN MAKES
STRESS RESPONSES

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.

KNEE SLAPPER

HOOT

LAUGH

RIOT

SCREAM

HOMOPHONES

DOE

DOH

DOUGH

SOUNDS A CHICKEN MAKES

BUCK

CACKLE

CLUCK

SQUAWK

STRESS RESPONSES

FAWN

FIGHT

FLIGHT

FREEZE

Reveal full answer

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