There’s a rush of satisfaction that comes with conquering the daily word games like the New York Times Wordle, Strands, Mini Crossword, and Connections Sports Edition all at once. But let’s be real, it’s not always a piece of cake. Need a helping hand with today’s Connections puzzle? Keep reading for a bit of guidance.
Spoiler alert! Seriously, don’t read on unless you’re stuck and begging for hints or just throwing in the towel. Here are the hints and answers for NYT ‘Connections’ #988 on Monday, February 23, 2026.
Struggling with the connections or words in today’s puzzle? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Stick around for some hints to get you back on track, and the answers are just a scroll away.
Looking for a laugh? Check out these hilarious NYT Connections Game memes to brighten your day before diving into the puzzle solving.
Today’s Connections puzzle categories for Monday, February 23:
1. Chow down.
2. Dunce cap-shaped.
3. Fake it, maybe.
4. Smooch site.
Ready to check your answers? Scroll past the image below (a nod to your unwavering patience!).
Here are the solutions for Monday, February 23:
1. EAT VORACIOUSLY: BOLT, GORGE, INHALE, SCARF
2. CONICAL THINGS: CHRISTMAS TREE, CONE, PARTY HAT, VOLCANO
3. POSE: BLUFF, FRONT, MASQUERADE, POSTURE
4. SETTINGS FOR A KISS: BLARNEY STONE, MISTLETOE, NEW YEAR’S EVE, WEDDING
How did you fare?
Looking for some fun games like Connections to keep the brain buzzing? Check out our recommendations for daily entertainment.
Missed a few days of puzzling? Catch up on recent Connections answers and get back in the game.
For more NYT ‘Connections’ hints, clues, and answers, head over to our Sunday guide for an extra dose of puzzle-solving fun.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.