Today’s puzzle combines painting media, synonyms for enthusiasm, famous hip-hop group names, and words that pair with ‘Ghost’ to form familiar phrases.
The yellow and green categories are easier to identify, while the blue group may test players’ knowledge of classic music acts.
The purple category delivers the biggest challenge, requiring players to spot an unexpected connection hidden behind everyday words.
For word puzzle lovers, NYT Connections never get boring. It’s fun, tricks, and the right amount of confusion keep solvers engaged every day. Whether you are a casual puzzle solver or a regular one with more than a 70-game streak on the line, today’s grid is a delightful challenge. Looking at words like Acrylic, Verve, Vinegar, Public Town, Kitchen may give you a hint that today’s groups are related to paintings and Hiphop groups.
If you’re new to it, Connections is a daily puzzle game from The New York Times where you group 16 words into four sets. The connections can be straightforward or totally hidden, from synonyms and themes to pop culture references.
Each group has a difficulty tier: yellow (easy), green and blue (moderate), and purple (hardest). You get four mistakes max, so precision matters. The twist? Some words fit into more than one category, and that’s where the real challenge begins.
Here are your hints, color-coded by difficulty (but no answers just yet):
Yellow Group (Easiest): These words are related to paintings. Generally, paintings are made with these mediums.
Green Group (Medium): Green group words of the puzzle are associated with enthusiasm. Try to find synonyms.
Blue Group (Moderate): Think of different classical hip hop stars.
Purple Group (Hardest): For the purple group words, try to locate terms that fit with ‘Ghost.’
One Word Per Group
Need a quick push? Here’s one example from each group:
ACRYLIC
PANACHE
RUN
WRITER
Also Read: NYT Wordle Answer Today for June 3, 2026: Hints and Expert Walkthrough Revealed
Still confused about the solutions? Here are the exact categories for today’s puzzle:
Yellow (PAINTING MEDIA): ACRYLIC, GOUACHE, OIL, TEMPERA
Blue (ESPRIT): GUSTO, PANACHE, VERVE, VINEGAR
Green (STARTS OF CLASSIC HIP-HOP GROUPS): BEASTIE, PUBLIC, RUN, SALT
Purple (GHOST ___): KITCHEN, PEPPER, TOWN, WRITER
Check Out the Image Below to Learn How to Make the Sets of Today's Puzzle:
If you have solved today’s puzzle but missed out on a few of the week’s, below are the answers to some of the previous day's NYT Connections:
| Date | Puzzle # | Yellow Group | Green Group | Blue Group | Purple Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 3, 2026 | #1088 | BROWN, JASMINE, STICKY, SUSHI | COLORFUL, GUMMY, SUGARY, URSINE | EMPANADA, FATAYER, PASTY, SAMOSA | ARIE, BELL, MOAN, RAY |
| June 2, 2026 | #1087 | CLOAK-AND-DAGGER, COVERT, HUSH-HUSH, TOP SECRET | BUBBLE AND SQUEAK, CHIPS, JACKET POTATO, MASH | COAT OF ARMS, CREST, HELMET, SHIELD | CAPE MAY, FREE WILL, GRAPE MUST, TIN CAN |
| June 1, 2026 | #1086 | CEILING, DOOR, WALL, WINDOW | NEWSPAPER, PIPE, ROBE, SLIPPERS | CAT, MENAGERIE, STREETCAR, TATTOO | KEY, ONION, TREE, WEDDING |
| May 31, 2026 | #1085 | BUTTER, PIKACHU, RUBBER DUCK, SCHOOL BUS | BREAK, CUE, POCKET, RACK | JACK, SALT, SEA DOG, TAR | SASH, SOAK, SPINE, STEAK |
| May 30, 2026 | #1084 | IMPOSSIBLE, NEVER, NO WAY, SORRY | CLEAR, LUCID, RIGHT, SOUND | BRACE, CARET, PIPE, TILDE | FEVER, GIGI, VOLARE, WITCHCRAFT |
| May 29, 2026 | #1083 | ARCTIC, ATLANTIC, PACIFIC, SOUTHERN | AMMONIA, BO, DURIAN, WET DOG | BILLIARD, DRAWING, POWDER, READING | FATHER, PENNSYLVANIA, PROTACTINIUM, PUBLIC ADDRESS |
| May 28, 2026 | #1082 | DUCK, HUNCH, SQUAT, STOOP | MEDIA, NEWS, PAPERS, PRESS | BAR, BENCH, PODIUM, STAND | JUMP, LIFT, LODGE, SLOPE |
NYT Connections has never been easy. The words challenge gamers' vocabulary with tough ideas. Today’s NYT Connections also presents players with some common words, but in a twisted way that makes it challenging to connect without a bit of help. The purple group may stump some, especially if you’re not very familiar with words that fit with ghosts, but the rest of the puzzle plays fair.
So, whether you solved it in one go or had to peek at a few NYT Connections hints today, the real win is that burst of satisfaction at the end. Come back tomorrow for a new grid, new clues, and more of that Connections magic!