Gaming

NYT Connections Hints and Answers for January 26, 2026

NYT Connections Today Explained: Hints, Categories, Answers And Strategy

Written By : Somatirtha
Reviewed By : Sankha Ghosh

Overview 

  • Breaks down today’s Connections word grid and logic

  • Explains each category with hints and answers

  • Helps players avoid red herrings and mistakes

If you’re a regular player of Wordle, Spelling Bee, or The Mini, Connections has undoubtedly earned a spot in your daily routine. The New York Times’ popular word game blends logic, language, and misdirection into a deceptively simple format that keeps puzzle fans coming back. Each day at midnight, players are presented with 16 seemingly unrelated words and one task: sort them into four connected groups.

The concept is elegant. The execution rarely is. What makes Connections so compelling is how easily words appear to belong together, until they don’t. Categories can range from straightforward synonyms to pop culture references or subtle wordplay. Many words fit multiple patterns, but only one grouping solves the grid correctly. That tension between instinct and restraint is the puzzle’s defining challenge.

How Attempts and Difficulty Levels Work

Players are allowed up to four incorrect guesses before the game ends. Each correct group is colour-coded by difficulty, offering a loose guide to what lies ahead:

Yellow: Easiest

Green: Moderate

Blue: Challenging

Purple: Most difficult

You can shuffle the grid at any time, often helping fresh connections emerge and breaking mental deadlocks.

Hints for Today’s Connections Categories

Yellow: Extract value or resources

Green: Unsettle or intimidate

Blue: Surnames of iconic actresses

Purple: Mammals with the final letter removed

Spoiler Alert: Answers Follow Below

Today’s Connections Answers

Yellow (Exploit): DRAIN, FLEECE, MILK, SQUEEZE

Green (Daunt): BUFFALO, COW, RATTLE, RUFFLE

Blue (Iconic actresses): CLOSE, FIELD, FOSTER, WEAVER

Purple (Mammals minus last letter): BADGE, GOA, MOOS, RABBI

Farewell for Today

The NYT Connections delivers its expected results: players who solve the Connections game can either complete it with perfect performance or use all their attempts. The next day will present fresh challenges, with a new grid containing hidden dangers that players must navigate to win the game.

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