NYT Connections for Monday, February 9, 2026, is puzzle #974. Start with the category hints below if you’re still solving; the full groups and words follow after a spoiler warning.
Hints for Connections #974
Each hint points to one of the four groups without giving away its words:
- A textile craft.
- How something is done.
- Money an author might receive.
- Complete the phrase “Draw ___.”
Answers for February 9, 2026
Spoiler warning: The complete answer key is below.
Connections asks players to sort a grid of 16 words into four groups of four. The answer groups for puzzle #974 are:
- 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.
How the groups fit together
Used in weaving
LOOM, NEEDLE, SCISSORS, and YARN are associated with textile work.
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Method
APPROACH, MANNER, STYLE, and WAY can each describe how something is done. One general archive entry lists LAW instead of WAY, but three date-specific answer guides agree on WAY for February 9.
Kinds of payment for an author
ADVANCE, BONUS, FEE, and ROYALTY are forms of payment an author might receive.
Draw ___
Each word completes a familiar phrase: draw near, draw poker, draw straws, and draw the line.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where to play or revisit the puzzle
Forbes says Connections can be played on the NYT website or in the Games app, and reports that archived puzzles are available to All Access or Games subscribers. Access terms may change, so check the current NYT Games information before relying on subscription details. Forbes’ February 9 guide describes the game and archive access.
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Answer references: Tom’s Guide, CNET, and Forbes give date-specific answers for #974.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
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