Connections Hints: Jan 7, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connections puzzle published on Jan 7, 2026 (2026-01-07). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdown when you're ready.

Meta: Puzzle #996

Puzzle #996 · 2026-01-07

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 #996 for 2026-01-07, 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: DOPPELGÄNGER, PORTION, COMMON FLAG SYMBOLS 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.

DOPPELGÄNGER
PORTION
COMMON FLAG SYMBOLS
PRESSED USING A PRESS

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.

DOPPELGÄNGER

CLONE

DOUBLE

MIRROR

RINGER

PORTION

CONCERN

INTEREST

STAKE

COMMON FLAG SYMBOLS

CRESCENT

CROSS

STAR

STRIPE

PRESSED USING A PRESS

CIDER

GARLIC

TROUSERS

WINE

Reveal full answer

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