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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchNeed a nudge for NYT Connections #970, dated Thursday, February 5, 2026? Start with the spoiler-light clues below, then reveal an example word, category names, or the complete answer key only when you’re ready.
How to use these Connections hints
Connections asks you to sort 16 entries into four groups of four. Make guesses carefully: an incorrect selection can cost an attempt. This guide moves from broad clues to the full solution, so stop before the reveal you want to avoid.
Stage 1: Group nudges
- Yellow: All-American icons
- Green: Bang into
- Blue: Grouped by a color
- Purple: Stars with the same surname
Stage 2: One example from each group
- Yellow: BALD EAGLE
- Green: KNOCK
- Blue: SKY
- Purple: CHRISTOPHER
Category names
Spoilers begin here: the category labels are CULTURAL SYMBOLS OF THE U.S., COLLIDE WITH, BLUE THINGS, and LEES OF HOLLYWOOD.
Connections #970 answers
| Color | Category | Words |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | CULTURAL SYMBOLS OF THE U.S. | AMERICAN FLAG, APPLE PIE, BALD EAGLE, BASEBALL |
| Green | COLLIDE WITH | BUMP, BUTT, KNOCK, RAM |
| Blue | BLUE THINGS | JEANS, LAPIS LAZULI, OCEAN, SKY |
| Purple | LEES OF HOLLYWOOD | ANG, BRUCE, CHRISTOPHER, SPIKE |
Why the groups fit
Yellow: cultural symbols of the U.S.
The American flag, apple pie, bald eagle, and baseball are all recognizable cultural symbols associated with the United States.
#1 Best Overall
Green: collide with
BUMP, BUTT, KNOCK, and RAM can each describe making impact with something. Here they work as verbs.
Blue: blue things
JEANS, LAPIS LAZULI, OCEAN, and SKY are associated with the color blue. Lapis lazuli is an ancient deep-blue metamorphic rock; the set is based on familiar color associations, not a claim that every example is always blue.
Rank #2
Purple: Lees of Hollywood
ANG, BRUCE, CHRISTOPHER, and SPIKE point to filmmakers and actors Ang Lee, Bruce Lee, Christopher Lee, and Spike Lee. The entries are their first names, paired by the shared surname Lee.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Play Connections
If you want to try the puzzle yourself, visit NYT Games.
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