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NYT Connections puzzle #979, from Saturday, February 14, 2026, groups 16 words into four sets. Start with the spoiler-free category clues below; the complete groupings and answers follow in a clearly marked spoiler section.
Hints for Connections #979
Try these clues before opening the solution. They are arranged from broad prompts to more specific nudges.
- Like the stock market
- You might find one on a log
- An actor famous for saying, “Life is like a box of chocolates”
- Tingly fresh
A second set of prompts describes the groups as an upward trajectory, a bit that sticks out, a shared Big actor, and the sweet smell of menthol. [TechRadar]
Spoiler: the answers
The four categories and word sets below are the solution to puzzle #979. The groups are corroborated by Parade, TechRadar, WePC, and The Word Finder. [Parade] [TechRadar] [WePC] [The Word Finder]
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| Color | Category | Words | How they connect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow | UPTICK | HIKE, JUMP, RISE, SPIKE | Each can describe an increase or upward movement. |
| Green | PROTUBERANCE | BUMP, HUMP, LUMP, MOUND | Each is something that sticks out or rises above a surface. |
| Blue | TOM HANKS ROLES | GUMP, PHILLIPS, SULLY, WOODY | Each is a character played by Tom Hanks. |
| Purple | WORDS BEFORE “MINT” | BREATH, JUNIOR, PEPPER, SPEAR | Each forms a familiar phrase ending in “mint.” |
The 16 words on the board
The full word bank was SPIKE, SPEAR, LUMP, JUMP, JUNIOR, HIKE, GUMP, BUMP, SULLY, BREATH, WOODY, MOUND, PEPPER, PHILLIPS, HUMP, and RISE. [TechRadar] [The Word Finder]
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