Connections Hints: Jan 16, 2026
This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connections puzzle published on Jan 16, 2026 (2026-01-16). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdown when you're ready.
Meta: Puzzle #1005
Puzzle #1005 · 2026-01-16
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.
Hint 1 – overall theme
There are 4 groups in today’s puzzle.
Themes include: KINDS OF HATS, COMPONENTS OF A KID’S BEDTIME ROUTINE, MUSICAL ACTS WITH "A" AS THE ONLY VOWEL 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.
- KINDS OF HATS
- COMPONENTS OF A KID’S BEDTIME ROUTINE
- MUSICAL ACTS WITH "A" AS THE ONLY VOWEL
- GRAND ___
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.
KINDS OF HATS
COMPONENTS OF A KID’S BEDTIME ROUTINE
MUSICAL ACTS WITH "A" AS THE ONLY VOWEL
GRAND ___
Reveal full answer
This is the full breakdown of today's Connections puzzle: group titles and all tiles, grouped together.
KINDS OF HATS
COMPONENTS OF A KID’S BEDTIME ROUTINE
MUSICAL ACTS WITH "A" AS THE ONLY VOWEL
GRAND ___
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