Connections Hints: Jan 17, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connectionspuzzle published on Jan 17, 2026 (2026-01-17). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdownwhen you're ready.

Meta: Puzzle #951

Connections #951 · 2026-01-17

Choose one group at a time

Each group has separate category and tile reveals. Open only the amount of help you want; the last reveal shows all available groups.

Group 1

Reveal category

SPREAD OVER

Reveal one tile

BLANKET

Reveal all four tiles

SPREAD OVER

  • BLANKET
  • COAT
  • COVER
  • PLASTER

Group 2

Reveal category

THROW

Reveal one tile

CAST

Reveal all four tiles

THROW

  • CAST
  • HURL
  • PELT
  • SLING

Group 3

Reveal category

ANAGRAMS

Reveal one tile

INKS

Reveal all four tiles

ANAGRAMS

  • INKS
  • KINS
  • SINK
  • SKIN

Why these fit

Each word uses exactly the same letters, including the same number of repeated letters.

TileLetters in alphabetical order
INKSIKNS
KINSIKNS
SINKIKNS
SKINIKNS

Group 4

Reveal category

FIRST WORDS OF KIDS' GAMES

Reveal one tile

CAPTURE

Reveal all four tiles

FIRST WORDS OF KIDS' GAMES

  • CAPTURE
  • HIDE
  • RED
  • SIMON
Reveal full answer

SPREAD OVER

  • BLANKET
  • COAT
  • COVER
  • PLASTER

THROW

  • CAST
  • HURL
  • PELT
  • SLING

ANAGRAMS

  • INKS
  • KINS
  • SINK
  • SKIN

Why these fit

Each word uses exactly the same letters, including the same number of repeated letters.

TileLetters in alphabetical order
INKSIKNS
KINSIKNS
SINKIKNS
SKINIKNS

FIRST WORDS OF KIDS' GAMES

  • CAPTURE
  • HIDE
  • RED
  • SIMON

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