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These are the hints and answers for Tuesday, February 17, 2026: NYT Connections game #982. Start with the spoiler-safe clues below; the four category names and word groups appear after a clear spoiler warning.
Gentle hints for February 17
Try each clue before looking at the category themes:
- Light’s pace.
- Savory takeout additions.
- What you might do with a magazine.
- Swing and a….
These spoiler-safe clues are from Parade’s February 17 guide.
Stronger category clues
If you need a nudge toward the groupings, the themes are “Whizz about,” “Asian cookery,” “Hurriedly peruse something,” and “Begins with failure,” as summarized by TechRadar.
#1 Best Overall
Full Connections answers for February 17, 2026
Spoilers below: full category names and all sixteen answers.
The word bank is PLUM, LEAF, FLASH, BUSTLE, THUMB, OYSTER, FLOPPY, ZIP, SKIM, SOY, DART, BOMBAY, SPEED, FLIP, HOISIN, and MISSUS.
Rank #2
| Color | Category | Words |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | ZOOM | DART, FLASH, SPEED, ZIP |
| Green | SAUCES IN CHINESE CUISINE | HOISIN, OYSTER, PLUM, SOY |
| Blue | RIFFLE (THROUGH) | FLIP, LEAF, SKIM, THUMB |
| Purple | STARTING WITH SYNONYMS FOR “DUD” | BOMBAY, BUSTLE, FLOPPY, MISSUS |
TechRadar and Parade report the same category labels and placements. The purple label is unusual, but it is the puzzle’s wording and is reproduced as given.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to find the archive puzzle
If you want to play game #982 rather than only read its answers, the New York Times Help Center says the Connections archive is available to All Access and Games subscribers and contains puzzles dating back to June 12, 2023. Archive play requires an NYT account for progress and history. Archived puzzles affect Connections statistics but do not count toward current or maximum streaks, and a completed archived puzzle cannot be replayed.
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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11The Help Center describes access through the web crosswords navigation or the Games app; the archive is not in the News app’s Play tab. See the official Connections help page for details.
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