Connections Hints: Jan 8, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connections puzzle published on Jan 8, 2026 (2026-01-08). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdown when you're ready.

Meta: Puzzle #1002

Puzzle #1002 · 2026-01-08

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 #1002 for 2026-01-08, 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 A RESPONSE TO STRONG EMOTIONS, BREAK THE RULES, FIRST-CLASS LEVERS 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 A RESPONSE TO STRONG EMOTIONS
BREAK THE RULES
FIRST-CLASS LEVERS
STARTING WITH CANDY BARS

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 A RESPONSE TO STRONG EMOTIONS

CHILL

GOOSEBUMP

SHIVER

TINGLE

BREAK THE RULES

JAYWALK

LITTER

LOITER

SPEED

FIRST-CLASS LEVERS

CLOTHESPIN

CROWBAR

SCISSORS

SEESAW

STARTING WITH CANDY BARS

AEROPLANE

DOVETAIL

HEATHERS

MARSALA

Reveal full answer

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