Connections Hints: Jan 25, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connections puzzle published on Jan 25, 2026 (2026-01-25). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdown when you're ready.

Meta: Puzzle #1024

Puzzle #1024 · 2026-01-25

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 #1024 for 2026-01-25, 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: ACT AS A BACKUP, PC KEYBOARD KEYS, PASTA SHAPES 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.

ACT AS A BACKUP
PC KEYBOARD KEYS
PASTA SHAPES
SUFFIXES

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.

ACT AS A BACKUP

COVER

FILL IN

SUB

TEMP

PC KEYBOARD KEYS

ALT

ENTER

WINDOWS

PASTA SHAPES

BOWTIE

RIBBON

SHELL

TUBE

SUFFIXES

ATE

DOM

HOOD

SHIP

Reveal full answer

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