NYT Connections #988 Answers - Monday, February 23, 2026

Looking for the answers to NYT Connections #988? Get spoiler-free hints, all 16 words, the four groups, and the complete solution for the puzzle from Monday, February 23, 2026.

Puzzle Date:
Puzzle Number: #988

NYT Connections #988 Words

These are the 16 words from the NYT Connections #988grid. Try sorting them into four groups of four before revealing the answers.

  • NEW YEAR'S EVE
  • VOLCANO
  • MASQUERADE
  • PARTY HAT
  • CHRISTMAS TREE
  • MISTLETOE
  • GORGE
  • BLUFF
  • POSTURE
  • CONE
  • WEDDING
  • BOLT
  • SCARF
  • BLARNEY STONE
  • INHALE
  • FRONT

NYT Connections #988 Hints

Need a nudge without seeing the full answers? Reveal the theme of each group below. Yellow is the easiest and purple is the hardest.

Yellow group hint (straightforward)Show hint
The yellow category is: EAT VORACIOUSLY
Green group hint (medium)Show hint
The green category is: CONICAL THINGS
Blue group hint (tricky)Show hint
The blue category is: POSE
Purple group hint (hardest)Show hint
The purple category is: SETTINGS FOR A KISS

NYT Connections #988 Answers

Spoiler warning: tap a group to reveal its category and four words.

Yellow group answerReveal

EAT VORACIOUSLY

BOLT, GORGE, INHALE, SCARF

Green group answerReveal

CONICAL THINGS

CHRISTMAS TREE, CONE, PARTY HAT, VOLCANO

Blue group answerReveal

POSE

BLUFF, FRONT, MASQUERADE, POSTURE

Purple group answerReveal

SETTINGS FOR A KISS

BLARNEY STONE, MISTLETOE, NEW YEAR'S EVE, WEDDING

Play NYT Connections #988 Online - Free

Replay NYT Connections #988: pick four related words, hit Submit, and find all four groups before you run out of mistakes.

Select four words that share a connection.
Mistakes remaining:
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the NYT Connections #988 answers?

NYT Connections #988 was published on Monday, February 23, 2026. The four groups, all 16 words, hints, and complete solution are available on this page.

What was the date of NYT Connections #988?

NYT Connections puzzle #988 was published on Monday, February 23, 2026.

How does NYT Connections work?

You're given 16 words and need to sort them into four groups of four that share a hidden theme. Groups range from yellow (straightforward) to purple (hardest), and you are allowed four mistakes.

What do the Connections colors mean?

Yellow is the easiest group, green is medium, blue is tricky, and purple is the hardest group, often involving wordplay.

Can I play NYT Connections #988?

Yes. You can replay NYT Connections #988 on this page using the same 16 words and four-group solution.

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