Looking for help with today’s NYT Connections puzzle? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve got all the hints, clues, and answers you need to solve Connections #981.
What is NYT Connections?
Connections is a popular daily word game from the New York Times. The goal is simple: find groups of four words that share a common connection. Each puzzle has 16 words that form four different categories.
The game gives you four chances to make mistakes. Categories are color-coded by difficulty, with yellow being easiest and purple being the hardest.
Tips for Solving Today’s Puzzle
Before we reveal the answers, here are some strategies to help you solve Connections #981:
- Start with words that clearly belong together
- Look for obvious patterns first
- Use the shuffle feature to see words in a different arrangement
- Don’t rush – think carefully about each grouping
- Remember that some words might seem to fit multiple categories
Hints for February 16, 2026
Need a gentle nudge? Here are subtle hints for each category:
- Yellow: A good laugh
- Green: They sound the same
- Blue: Bird noises
- Purple: Reactions
Category Names Revealed
Still stuck? Here are the actual category names:
- Yellow: Knee slapper
- Green: Homophones
- Blue: Sounds a chicken makes
- Purple: Stress responses
Connections #981 Answers
Ready for the complete solution? Here are all four categories with their words:
Yellow – Knee Slapper
HOOT, LAUGH, RIOT, SCREAM
Green – Homophones
DO, DOE, DOH, DOUGH
Blue – Sounds a Chicken Makes
BUCK, CACKLE, CLUCK, SQUAWK
Purple – Stress Responses
FAWN, FIGHT, FLIGHT, FREEZE