Connections Hints: Feb 18, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connections puzzle published on Feb 18, 2026 (2026-02-18). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdown when you're ready.

Meta: Puzzle #1064

Puzzle #1064 · 2026-02-18

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 #1064 for 2026-02-18, 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: RETRO HAIR DIRECTIVES, RETRO SLANG FOR COOL, CHICKEN DESCRIPTORS 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.

RETRO HAIR DIRECTIVES
RETRO SLANG FOR COOL
CHICKEN DESCRIPTORS
___ CREAM

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.

RETRO HAIR DIRECTIVES

CRIMP

CURL

FEATHER

TEASE

RETRO SLANG FOR COOL

BAD

FLY

RAD

WICKED

CHICKEN DESCRIPTORS

BANTAM

CRESTED

FREE-RANGE

LEGHORN

___ CREAM

HEAVY

SHAVING

SOUR

TOPICAL

Reveal full answer

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