NYT Connections Answers

Yesterday’s NYT Connections Answers Feb 22, 2026 (#986)

By Anish
Published: Feb 22, 2026

Looking for the NYT Connections answers for Feb 22, 2026?
Here are full hints and solutions for Puzzle #987.

Today’s puzzle had fun themes.
But sorting the groups was not easy.

Let’s break it down.


What Is NYT Connections?

Connections is a daily word game from
The New York Times.

You see 16 words.
Your goal is to sort them into 4 groups of 4.

Yellow is usually easiest.
Purple is usually hardest.


NYT Connections Hints for Feb 22, 2026

Before we reveal the NYT Connections answers for Feb 22, 2026, here are some clues:

🟨 Yellow Hint: Not popular.
🟩 Green Hint: Words for gray hair.
🟦 Blue Hint: Newspaper comics.
🟪 Purple Hint: Linked to the 26th U.S. president.

Scroll down for the answers.


NYT Connections Answers for Feb 22, 2026

One Who Doesn’t Fit In

BLACK SHEEP, MISFIT, OUTCAST, REJECT

Descriptors for Graying Hair

DISTINGUISHED, FLECKED, SALT-AND-PEPPER, SILVER

Classic Comic Strips

BLONDIE, BLOOM COUNTY, PEANUTS, THE FAR SIDE

Associated With Theodore Roosevelt

BIG STICK, BULL MOOSE, ROUGH RIDERS, TEDDY BEAR

🟨 Yellow – One Who Doesn’t Fit In

  • Black sheep
  • Misfit
  • Outcast
  • Reject

Theme: Someone who doesn’t belong.


🟩 Green – Descriptors for Graying Hair

  • Distinguished
  • Flecked
  • Salt-and-pepper
  • Silver

All words linked to gray hair.


🟦 Blue – Classic Comic Strips

Theme: Classic comic strips.

  • Blondie
  • Bloom County
  • Peanuts
  • The Far Side

This group was fun for comic fans.


🟪 Purple – Associated With Theodore Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt was the 26th U.S. president.

Answers:

  • Big stick
  • Bull Moose
  • Rough Riders
  • Teddy bear

All closely tied to Roosevelt’s life and history.


Why Puzzle #987 Was Tricky

  • Yellow and green words overlapped in tone.
  • Blue required comic strip knowledge.
  • Purple needed history knowledge.

Nice mix of pop culture and history.


FAQ – NYT Connections Feb 22, 2026

What are the NYT Connections answers for Feb 22, 2026?

The groups were One Who Doesn’t Fit In, Descriptors for Graying Hair, Classic Comic Strips, and Associated With Theodore Roosevelt.

What was the purple group in Puzzle #987?

The purple group was linked to Theodore Roosevelt: Big Stick, Bull Moose, Rough Riders, and Teddy Bear.

Where can I play NYT Connections?

You can play daily on The New York Times Games website or app.

What was the hardest group today?

Many players found purple hardest because it required history knowledge.


Final Thoughts

The NYT Connections answers for Feb 22, 2026 delivered a balanced challenge.

Comics.
History.
Wordplay.

Come back tomorrow for the next Connections hints and answers.

About the Author

Anish is the founder of TechBoltX, sharing mobile gaming rewards, guides, and daily updates.