The NYT Connections game challenges players to classify 16 words into four groups of four, testing their pattern recognition and lateral thinking skills. The puzzle from February 2, 2026, featured a mix of synonyms, homonyms, literary characters, and television detectives. Below, you’ll find hints followed by the complete grouped answers.
Overview of NYT Connections Puzzle: February 2, 2026
The grid presented a fascinating mix of challenges. The first category contained clear synonyms related to duration—words that describe how long something lasts. The second group featured notable characters from modern crime television spanning various networks and eras. A third category played with homonyms and wordplay, while the final group showcased classic and contemporary detective fiction. Solvers who quickly identified the temporal synonyms gained a head start; others found themselves navigating clever homonym puzzles and literary allusions.
Hints for NYT Connections: February 2, 2026
Category 1:
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Consider words that convey “a span of time” or “how long an event lasts.”
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Each word refers to a continuous duration of time.
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These terms appear in both casual conversation and formal writing.
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Think of words commonly found in contexts like interviews, exercises, and historical discussions.
Category 2:
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All terms are characters from contemporary crime and detective shows.
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They originate from varying networks and decades.
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Some are hardboiled detectives adapted from well-known novels.
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Think of iconic figures in both modern and classic crime dramas.
Category 3:
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Each word can complete a common phrase or refer to an object when combined with a popular prefix.
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The linking word relates to identification and access.
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Consider items associated with credentials or security that you may carry or wear.
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Think about objects that assist with verification or entry into various venues.
Category 4:
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All words derive from titles found in religious texts, hymns, or famous pieces of literature.
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Some references include biblical Psalms, while others relate to notable literary works or song titles.
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They follow a specific categorization or naming convention.
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Think of poetry, scripture, and classical literary pieces.
Answers for NYT Connections: February 2, 2026
Category 1:
Category 2:
Category 3:
Category 4:
Conclusion & Quick Strategy Tip
Today’s puzzle blended clear temporal synonyms with crime television knowledge, credential-related words, and a complex literary category. Many solvers likely recognized the duration group quickly, moved onto the television detectives, and then encountered difficulty with the credential and literary-related terms, which demanded specific knowledge or creative thinking regarding common phrases and cultural references.
Quick strategy tip: Begin with the most recognizable synonym category (duration) to build confidence and streamline your progress. Following that, tackle the crime television section if you’re familiar with recent shows. Use the remaining words to deduce connections—when you face a hurdle, search for words that may share common prefixes or suffixes, or consider the items or phrases they commonly complete.
