Connections Hints: Jan 4, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connections puzzle published on Jan 4, 2026 (2026-01-04). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdown when you're ready.

Meta: Puzzle #977

Puzzle #977 · 2026-01-04

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 #977 for 2026-01-04, 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: PAPER PUBLICATION, SPOOL, THINGS A DEFENSIVE FOOTBALL PLAYER DOES 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.

PAPER PUBLICATION
SPOOL
THINGS A DEFENSIVE FOOTBALL PLAYER DOES
SYNONYMS FOR BUTT PLUS STARTING LETTER

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.

PAPER PUBLICATION

COPY

EDITION

ISSUE

SPOOL

COIL

CRANK

REEL

WIND

THINGS A DEFENSIVE FOOTBALL PLAYER DOES

BLITZ

BLOCK

SACK

TACKLE

SYNONYMS FOR BUTT PLUS STARTING LETTER

DREAR

ETAIL

GRUMP

SCAN

Reveal full answer

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