The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
This is the NYT Connections puzzle for Wednesday, February 26, 2025, game #626. The hints below move from a gentle nudge to the full answer key. Stop at any point to avoid spoilers.
Word bank
These are the 16 words in game #626:
DASH · PAST · LATE · COMER · BARGE · UNDERSCORE · MINUS · CHARGE · RATE · BAGGIE · COST · PRIOR · PISA · PRICE · FORMER · HYPHEN
Progressive hints
Spoilers increase with each hint. Start with the broad clues, then reveal a category label only if you need more help.
Broad clues
- One group concerns money paid or charged.
- One group points to an earlier time.
- One group consists of punctuation or symbols drawn horizontally.
- One group hides familiar members of a cartoon family behind altered first letters.
Category hints
- Finances
- They’re history
- Straight punctuation
- Slightly altered Springfield residents
Answers for Connections #626
Full spoilers below.
| Color | Category | Words |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | EXPENDITURE | CHARGE, COST, PRICE, RATE |
| Green | ONETIME | FORMER, LATE, PAST, PRIOR |
| Blue | MADE WITH HORIZONTAL LINES | DASH, HYPHEN, MINUS, UNDERSCORE |
| Purple | SIMPSON FAMILY MEMBERS WITH FIRST LETTER CHANGED | BAGGIE, BARGE, COMER, PISA |
Why the purple group works
Each word changes the first letter of a Simpson family member’s name: Maggie becomes BAGGIE, Marge becomes BARGE, Homer becomes COMER, and Lisa becomes PISA.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
BETTER TOGETHER Couples Card Game - Date Night Games for Couples
- Couples Card Game Built for Real Relationships – Trusted by 10,000+ couples who know not all couple games are built equal, this couples card game puts 150 romantic conversation cards in your hands for exactly those nights when you want something better than whatever you've been half-watching for two weeks, built for how you two actually talk: playful when that's what the night calls for, deep when you're both ready for it.
- 5 Categories, 3 Depths, 150 Cards – 150 cards across five categories and three depth tiers means no two sessions ever land the same way: Reflections, Pillow Talk, Deep Dive, Future Us, and Wildcard each take you somewhere new, while Light, Medium, and Deep tiers let you decide how far the conversation travels tonight, making this one of the most replayable card games for adults and adult card games for couples with a dot system on every card so nothing interrupts the moment you're already in.
- Built for Both Partners, Including the Reluctant One – Pass, Switch, Reverse: three Control Cards built for the partner who needs an out, giving both of you real say over where the conversation goes so the session stays fun for everyone, including the one who took a little more convincing to sit down in the first place.
- Conversation Starter Cards That Make You Both Lean In – Every question in these conversation cards for couples was built to make your partner say something that surprises you, the kind of answer that makes you put your drink down and think wait, I didn't know that about you, and whether you've been together eight months or eight years, there is always more to discover when you have the right questions for couples, more than a relationship card game that never goes deep enough manages to surface.
- Questions That Open Doors Without Walking Into Walls – Co-developed with licensed therapists specifically so the questions lead to genuine and intimate conversations without making anyone feel like they accidentally signed up for a session, because the difference between a question that opens a door and one that quietly ends the night takes actual expertise to get right, and the result feels like the best dinner conversation you've had in years.
How Connections works
The New York Times Help Center describes Connections as a word game about finding themes between words. Players receive 16 words and sort them into four groups of four. Each group has a color: yellow is the easiest and purple the trickiest. The NYT says editors curate the words and categories using the Oxford Dictionary. NYT Help Center: Connections.
Where and when to play
The NYT Help Center lists the NYT Games app, the Connections page on nytimes.com, nytimes.com/theathletic, and the News app as places to play. The daily puzzle releases at midnight in the player’s timezone. The full archive begins June 12, 2023 and is available to All Access and Games subscribers; playing archived puzzles affects some statistics but does not affect streaks. Access terms can change, so check the official Connections help page for current details.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 1
Best Value
{THE AND} Healing Edition - 199 Question Cards to Heal Strained Relationships - Reconnect by Understanding & Releasing Hurt Feelings - Couple Card Game to Have Difficult Conversations By The Skin Deep
- {THE AND} HEALING EDITION: The perfect game for healing strained relationships and releasing hurt feelings: The Healing expansion deck gently shows you the way to ease into loving conversations with a partner, friend, or family member
- EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION: Our healing relationship cards are designed to facilitate effective communication, providing a safe and structured space for couples, friends, or family members to express themselves and listen to each other.
- RECONNECTING AND HEALING: These conversation cards help to break down emotional barriers and enable individuals to reconnect with one another on a deeper level; Through the use of these couples cards, people can heal strained relationships and mend past hurts
- DIVERSE TOPICS: Our conversation starter cards cover a range of diverse topics, from feelings and emotions to shared memories and goals; This allows individuals to explore different aspects of their relationship and build a stronger emotional connection by understanding your person and what they need from you
- ABOUT TSD: The Skin Deep started as an interactive documentary project which filmed emotional conversations between two people as they asked intimate questions; TSD's exciting and immersive projects continue to explore the human experience and help people connect on a deeper level
Rank #4
{THE AND} Dating Edition - 199 Thoughtful Conversation Cards for Dating Couples - Questions to Get to Know Your New Person & Create Connections - Fun Date Night Card Game for Adults by The Skin Deep
- {THE AND} DATING EDITION: A dating card game for really getting to know your new future love! This date deck guides recently dating and new couples into real conversations meant to build connections and find what you do or don't have in common
- NEW COUPLES CARD GAME: A dating card game for adults to grow deeper in your new relationship by learning about each other's values, interests, and personalities; 199 question cards for connecting and talking towards a shared intimacy that the best couples have
- DATE NIGHT CARDS: A perfect date night idea that will more than break the ice and help you get to know your date on a deeper level; Make tonights conversation a meaningful and thought provoking one with this dating game card deck
- INVEST IN LOVE: Finding love isn't easy so obtaining something that can ignite that spark is priceless; These dating edition conversation cards are a perfect gift to yourself. friends, or a family member who is searching for love and looking to light that fire
- DATING COUPLES GIFT: A unique gift idea for your girlfriend, boyfriend, or person you are serious about! The perfect couples gift idea or gift for new couples. Add it to a date night gift basket or part of a romantic gift box.
Rank #3
Connection Deck Card Game for Couples - Connecting and Revealing Questions to Ignite A Deeper Relationship - Perfect for Anniversary, Date Night & More (100 Cards)
- The Connection Deck Card Game includes carefully crafted questions designed to spark meaningful conversations and deeper connections between couples. Explore new topics, share personal insights, and strengthen your bond in a fun and engaging way.
- Designed to inspire meaningful conversations, our couples card game features carefully crafted questions that encourage deeper understanding and connection. Enjoy engaging discussions that bring you and your partner closer in a fun and memorable way.
- Our couples card game includes questions across five unique categories: Bedroom, Light & Fun, Me & You, Individual, and Past & Future—offering a mix of playful and thoughtful prompts for an engaging date night experience.
- Crafted with premium heavy card stock and packaged in a sleek, unisex box, this couples card game makes a thoughtful gift for partners and friends, encouraging meaningful moments and deep conversations.
- Designed to create fun and lasting memories, this card game for couples encourages deeper conversations and connection. Enjoy quality time together through engaging and meaningful prompts.
Rank #2
BestSelf Icebreaker Deck – 170 Ice Breaker Cards for Adults, Work & Groups
- 🧠 MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS – Featuring 170 psychology-backed questions, this conversation deck sparks authentic dialogue and builds trust. Ideal icebreaker game for adults, couples, friends, and coworkers.
- 💬 ENGAGING PROMPTS – Split into 7 categories to cover everything from life to intimacy. The card game for couples, families, or teams seeking deeper understanding.
- 🎁 PREMIUM DESIGN – Crafted with 350gsm matte playing cards and a sleek, travel-friendly box. Built to last, stylish to carry — a perfect ice breaker gift for all occasions.
- 🎉 PERFECT FOR GATHERINGS – From beach games to camping trips and game nights, this conversation deck adds fun to any occasion. Use it as a travel game, drinking game, or coffee table game. Whether you're at home, on vacation, or with friends, these conversation starter cards help everyone feel included, making it the perfect game for real connection.
- 🌍 FUN FOR ALL SETTINGS – More than a party game, it's one of the best card games for adults and teens. Perfect for game night, camping games, or car games for adults. Works great in corporate team building games or ice breaker games for work meetings. Whether it's Truth or Dare, Cards Against Humanity, or Drinking Games for Adults you love, this deck brings better conversations and laughter every time.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.
