Connections Hints: Jan 9, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connections puzzle published on Jan 9, 2026 (2026-01-09). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdown when you're ready.

Meta: Puzzle #998

Puzzle #998 · 2026-01-09

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 #998 for 2026-01-09, 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: THINGS THAT ARE RED, USED IN METAPHORS FOR PRECARIOUS SITUATIONS, MUSICAL ARTISTS MINUS STARTING NUMBERS 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.

THINGS THAT ARE RED
USED IN METAPHORS FOR PRECARIOUS SITUATIONS
MUSICAL ARTISTS MINUS STARTING NUMBERS
CARDINAL DIRECTIONS WITH FIRST LETTER CHANGED

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.

THINGS THAT ARE RED

3 BALL

CARDINAL

HEART EMOJI

SOLO CUP

USED IN METAPHORS FOR PRECARIOUS SITUATIONS

8 BALL

DEEP END

LIMB

THIN ICE

MUSICAL ARTISTS MINUS STARTING NUMBERS

6 MAFIA

CHAINZ

DIRECTION

NON BLONDES

CARDINAL DIRECTIONS WITH FIRST LETTER CHANGED

COUTH

FORTH

LEST

OAST

Reveal full answer

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