Connections Hints: Feb 17, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connections puzzle published on Feb 17, 2026 (2026-02-17). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdown when you're ready.

Meta: Puzzle #1065

Puzzle #1065 · 2026-02-17

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 #1065 for 2026-02-17, 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: ZOOM, SAUCES IN CHINESE CUISINE, RIFFLE (THROUGH) 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.

ZOOM
SAUCES IN CHINESE CUISINE
RIFFLE (THROUGH)
STARTING WITH SYNONYMS FOR "DUD"

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.

ZOOM

DART

FLASH

SPEED

ZIP

SAUCES IN CHINESE CUISINE

HOISIN

OYSTER

PLUM

SOY

RIFFLE (THROUGH)

FLIP

LEAF

SKIM

THUMB

STARTING WITH SYNONYMS FOR "DUD"

BOMBAY

BUSTLE

FLOPPY

MISSUS

Reveal full answer

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