Connections #986 Answers – February 21, 2026
Updated
Hints and answers for NYT Connections puzzle #986 on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Reveal as much or as little as you need.
No spoilers until you tap Reveal.
Today's 16 words
ABSENTAUDITSBACKGROUNDDODGERSEXCUSEDGREATHISTORYINFINITIVELATELIFEMINIONPASTPERFECTPHEWPRESENTSOLID
Hint 1: one word from each group
Yellow (easiest)
BACKGROUND belongs to this group.
Green
ABSENT belongs to this group.
Blue
GREAT belongs to this group.
Purple (hardest)
AUDITS belongs to this group.
Hint 2: the categories
Yellow (easiest) category
EXPERIENCE
Green category
ATTENDANCE STATUS
Blue category
COMMENTARY ABOUT YOUR CONNECTIONS RESULTS
Purple (hardest) category
CAR BRANDS PLUS TWO LETTERS
Connections #986 answers
Show all four groups
EXPERIENCEBACKGROUND, HISTORY, LIFE, PAST
ATTENDANCE STATUSABSENT, EXCUSED, LATE, PRESENT
COMMENTARY ABOUT YOUR CONNECTIONS RESULTSGREAT, PERFECT, PHEW, SOLID
CAR BRANDS PLUS TWO LETTERSAUDITS, DODGERS, INFINITIVE, MINION
Recent Connections answers
FAQ
What are the Connections answers for February 21, 2026?
EXPERIENCE: BACKGROUND, HISTORY, LIFE, PAST. ATTENDANCE STATUS: ABSENT, EXCUSED, LATE, PRESENT. COMMENTARY ABOUT YOUR CONNECTIONS RESULTS: GREAT, PERFECT, PHEW, SOLID. CAR BRANDS PLUS TWO LETTERS: AUDITS, DODGERS, INFINITIVE, MINION.
What do the Connections colors mean?
Yellow is the easiest group, then green, blue and purple, which is usually the trickiest.