Connections Hints: Jan 21, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connections puzzle published on Jan 21, 2026 (2026-01-21). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdown when you're ready.

Meta: Puzzle #1014

Puzzle #1014 · 2026-01-21

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 #1014 for 2026-01-21, 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: ITEMS TO RECYCLE, BEDDING, PLAGIARIZE 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.

ITEMS TO RECYCLE
BEDDING
PLAGIARIZE
BATMAN'S "BAT" THINGS

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.

ITEMS TO RECYCLE

BOTTLE

CAN

CARDBOARD BOX

NEWSPAPER

BEDDING

BLANKET

SHAM

SHEET

THROW

PLAGIARIZE

COPY

CRIB

LIFT

PIRATE

BATMAN'S "BAT" THINGS

CAVE

MOBILE

SIGNAL

SUIT

Reveal full answer

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