Connections · Hints and answers

Connections #987 hints and answers for Sunday, February 22, 2026

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

Connections #987 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: Watch the longer entries: at least one of these four is a multi-word phrase, which usually points at the shape of the category.

ONE WHO DOESN'T FIT IN

BLACK SHEEP · MISFIT · OUTCAST · REJECT

Group 2 - Green

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.

DESCRIPTORS FOR GRAYING HAIR

DISTINGUISHED · FLECKED · SALT-AND-PEPPER · SILVER

Group 3 - Blue

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.

CLASSIC COMIC STRIPS

BLONDIE · BLOOM COUNTY · PEANUTS · THE FAR SIDE

Group 4 - Purple

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.

ASSOCIATED WITH THEODORE ROOSEVELT

BIG STICK · BULL MOOSE · ROUGH RIDERS · TEDDY BEAR

Next on the board

Strands →

Theme clue: "Olympics wrap-up"