Connections Hints: Jan 1, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connections puzzle published on Jan 1, 2026 (2026-01-01). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdown when you're ready.

Meta: Puzzle #989

Puzzle #989 · 2026-01-01

Step through today’s Connections hints

Start with broad themes, then reveal more detail about the groups and tiles only when you need it. The final button shows today's full group breakdown.

Puzzle reference: Connections #989 for 2026-01-01, edition main, with a standard four-group board. Spoiler categories and tiles stay collapsed until you open the hint layers below.

Hint 1 – overall theme

There are 4 groups in today’s puzzle.

Themes include: BIT OF MAGIC, REMOVE THE COVERING FROM, "ENTHUSIAST" EQUIVALENT and 1 more.

Hint 2 – group titles

Here are the category names for each group. Try matching the tiles in the official game to these themes before you reveal any tiles.

BIT OF MAGIC
REMOVE THE COVERING FROM
"ENTHUSIAST" EQUIVALENT
BUTTER___

Hint 3 – group tiles

Reveal the tiles for each group. If you only want a partial nudge, stop after reading one or two groups and go back to the official puzzle.

BIT OF MAGIC

CHARM

CURSE

HEX

SPELL

REMOVE THE COVERING FROM

PEEL

SHELL

SHUCK

SKIN

"ENTHUSIAST" EQUIVALENT

BUFF

HEAD

HOUND

RAT

BUTTER___

FINGERS

FLY

NUT

SCOTCH

Reveal full answer

This is the full breakdown of today's Connections puzzle: group titles and all tiles, grouped together.