Connections · Hints and answers

Connections #971 hints and answers for Friday, February 6, 2026

Edited by Wyna Liu · Groups listed easiest to hardest: yellow, green, blue, purple

Connections #971 puts four groups of four on the board, running from the yellow group through to purple. For each group below: read the hint first, then show the category name when you want it, then the four words.

Group 1 - Yellow

Hint: Four words, one thread. Say each of the four out loud - the link is usually plainer than it looks.

ITEMS AT A COFFEE STATION

CUP · LID · STIRRER · STRAW

Group 2 - Green

Hint: Watch the longer entries: at least one of these four is a multi-word phrase, which usually points at the shape of the category.

THINGS WITH STRIPES

CANDY CANE · CROSSWALK · REFEREE · TIGER

Group 3 - Blue

Hint: These four belong together for one clean reason. If two of them pair up in your head first, let the other two confirm it.

WORDS BEFORE "FLY" IN INSECT NAMES

BUTTER · DRAGON · FIRE · HORSE

Group 4 - Purple

Hint: Four words, one thread. Say each of the four out loud - the link is usually plainer than it looks.

HOMOPHONES OF GREETINGS

CHOW · HAY · HIGH · YEOH

Next on the board

Strands →

Theme clue: "Let's face it"