Connections Hints: Feb 16, 2026
This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connectionspuzzle published on Feb 16, 2026 (2026-02-16). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdownwhen you're ready.
Meta: Puzzle #981
Connections #981 · 2026-02-16
Choose one group at a time
Each group has separate category and tile reveals. Open only the amount of help you want; the last reveal shows all available groups.
Group 1
Reveal category
KNEE SLAPPER
Reveal one tile
HOOT
Reveal all four tiles
KNEE SLAPPER
- HOOT
- LAUGH
- RIOT
- SCREAM
Group 2
Reveal category
HOMOPHONES
Reveal one tile
DO
Reveal all four tiles
HOMOPHONES
- DO
- DOE
- DOH
- DOUGH
Group 3
Reveal category
SOUNDS A CHICKEN MAKES
Reveal one tile
BUCK
Reveal all four tiles
SOUNDS A CHICKEN MAKES
- BUCK
- CACKLE
- CLUCK
- SQUAWK
Group 4
Reveal category
STRESS RESPONSES
Reveal one tile
FAWN
Reveal all four tiles
STRESS RESPONSES
- FAWN
- FIGHT
- FLIGHT
- FREEZE
Reveal full answer
KNEE SLAPPER
- HOOT
- LAUGH
- RIOT
- SCREAM
HOMOPHONES
- DO
- DOE
- DOH
- DOUGH
SOUNDS A CHICKEN MAKES
- BUCK
- CACKLE
- CLUCK
- SQUAWK
STRESS RESPONSES
- FAWN
- FIGHT
- FLIGHT
- FREEZE
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