NYT Connections Hints Today for Sunday, February 8: Full Clues and Answers (#973)

NYT Connections Hints Today are here for Sunday, February 8, with the full set of clues and confirmed answers for puzzle number 973. The New York Times daily word game challenged players with four themed groups hidden inside sixteen words.

The February 8 puzzle leaned on familiar language patterns, password logic, and common phrases. Many players found some groups straightforward, while others required a second look.

NYT Connections Hints Today: Words and Puzzle Setup

The NYT Connections grid for Sunday, February 8 featured sixteen everyday words. At first glance, they appeared unrelated.

The full word list included: timer, inhibit, symbol, routine, gag, length, cents, muzzle, faced, number, uppercase, drill, bit, silence, habit, grind.

As with every Connections puzzle, players had to sort these words into four groups of four. Each group shared a single defining link.

NYT Connections Hints Today: Group Clues by Color

The puzzle followed the standard difficulty order, beginning with Yellow and ending with Purple. Each color represented a different type of word relationship.

The Yellow group focused on actions that restrict or block expression. Words connected to suppression stood out once players noticed the theme.

The Blue group revolved around digital security. These words described common requirements used when creating strong passwords.

The Green group pointed to repetition and routine. This set described tasks or actions associated with daily life and ongoing habits.

The Purple group required players to think about phrases formed when the same number appears before each word. This group proved tricky for some but clear once identified.

NYT Connections Answers for Sunday, February 8 (#973)

The confirmed answers for today’s NYT Connections puzzle are grouped below by color and category. These are the only correct solutions for puzzle 973.

Yellow Group – Suppress
Gag, Inhibit, Muzzle, Silence

Blue Group – Features of a strong password
Length, Number, Symbol, Uppercase

Green Group – Same old stuff
Drill, Grind, Habit, Routine

Purple Group – Words after “two”
Bit, Cents, Faced, Timer

When arranged correctly, these groups complete the puzzle without any remaining words.

How Players Approached the February 8 Puzzle

Many players reported solving the Yellow group early. The connection between gag, muzzle, and silence was immediately clear.

The Blue group caused more hesitation. Some players initially thought the words related to typography or formatting rather than password security.

The Green group relied on familiar phrases like daily grind and routine drill. Once identified, this set came together quickly.

The Purple group often clicked last. The word “faced” led many players to think of common expressions, revealing the “two-faced” connection.

NYT Connections Hints Today once again highlighted how wordplay and phrase recognition are just as important as vocabulary.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

What are NYT Connections Hints Today for February 8?

NYT Connections Hints Today include clues for four groups: suppression actions, password features, daily routines, and words paired with the number two. These hints guide players without revealing full answers.

What is the answer to NYT Connections puzzle #973?

The answers are divided into four groups: Gag, Inhibit, Muzzle, Silence; Length, Number, Symbol, Uppercase; Drill, Grind, Habit, Routine; Bit, Cents, Faced, Timer.

Why was the Purple group tricky in today’s Connections?

The Purple group required recognizing common phrases that begin with “two.” Many players only saw the connection after isolating the word “faced.”