Need a hint for NYT Connections puzzle #974, published Monday, February 9, 2026? Start with the four themes: weaving, method, author payments, and phrases beginning with “draw.” A spoiler warning comes before the complete answer key below.
Hints for Connections #974
- One group contains equipment and material used in weaving.
- One group’s words can each mean a way of doing or handling something.
- Think of different ways an author can be paid.
- Complete a familiar phrase after “draw.”
Spoiler warning: full Connections #974 answers
The complete solution follows. The four categories and their words are corroborated by Forbes and Yahoo Tech.
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| Category | Words |
|---|---|
| Used in weaving | LOOM, NEEDLE, SCISSORS, YARN |
| Method | APPROACH, MANNER, STYLE, WAY |
| Kinds of payment for an author | ADVANCE, BONUS, FEE, ROYALTY |
| Draw ___ | NEAR, POKER, STRAWS, THE LINE |
Why the words fit
Used in weaving: LOOM, NEEDLE, SCISSORS, YARN
A loom and yarn are central to weaving: a loom or frame holds the work as yarn is interlaced to make cloth. Needle and scissors are associated tools. Forbes contributor Kris Holt describes a loom as a machine or frame used to interlace yarn at right angles to create cloth (Forbes, February 8, 2026).
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Method: APPROACH, MANNER, STYLE, WAY
Each word can describe a method: an approach, manner, style, or way of dealing with a task or situation. They are close in meaning rather than parts of one specific process.
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Kinds of payment for an author: ADVANCE, BONUS, FEE, ROYALTY
These are distinct forms of author compensation. A publisher may pay an advance after agreeing to a book deal; a fee can be a flat payment for a piece such as a short story; and a royalty is an author’s share of sales. A bonus is another possible payment. Forbes explains the distinctions in its puzzle guide.
Draw ___: NEAR, POKER, STRAWS, THE LINE
Each word completes a phrase: draw near, draw poker, draw straws, and draw the line. The last two phrases can refer respectively to choosing by lot and setting a clear limit.
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Sources
- Forbes: Connections hints and answers for February 9, 2026 (published February 8, 2026).
- Yahoo Tech: Connections hints and answers for February 9 (published February 9, 2026).
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