If you’re stuck on today’s NYT Connections puzzle, we’ve got you covered. Here are helpful hints and the full set of answers for puzzle #988, released on Monday, February 23, 2026.
The daily word challenge from The New York Times has quickly become a favorite among puzzle lovers, alongside games like Wordle, the Mini Crossword, and Strands.
Spoiler alert: Hints and answers are below.
Today’s NYT Connections Hints (February 23)
If you want a gentle nudge before seeing the solutions, these category clues should help:
- Eat quickly and eagerly
- Things shaped like a cone
- To pretend or put on an act
- Romantic or traditional settings for a kiss
NYT Connections Answers for February 23, 2026
1. Eat Voraciously
BOLT, GORGE, INHALE, SCARF
2. Conical Things
CHRISTMAS TREE, CONE, PARTY HAT, VOLCANO
3. Pose (Pretend or Bluff)
BLUFF, FRONT, MASQUERADE, POSTURE
4. Settings for a Kiss
BLARNEY STONE, MISTLETOE, NEW YEAR’S EVE, WEDDING
How the Game Works
In NYT Connections, players group 16 words into four categories based on a shared theme. Each set varies in difficulty, making the game both fun and challenging for daily players.
Check back tomorrow for more hints and answers to keep your puzzle streak going.
