Connections Hints: May 8, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connections puzzle published on May 8, 2026 (2026-05-08). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdown when you're ready.

Meta: Puzzle #1129

Puzzle #1129 · 2026-05-08

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 #1129 for 2026-05-08, 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: CANOODLING, FIVE-SIDED THINGS, UNEXPECTED PLACES TO BE "OUT OF" 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.

  • CANOODLING
  • FIVE-SIDED THINGS
  • UNEXPECTED PLACES TO BE "OUT OF"
  • ENDING IN CANDY BRANDS MINUS "S"

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.

CANOODLING

FIRST BASE
MAKING OUT
NECKING
TONSIL HOCKEY

FIVE-SIDED THINGS

HOME PLATE
JEANS BACK POCKET
SCHOOL CROSSING SIGN
THE PENTAGON

UNEXPECTED PLACES TO BE "OUT OF"

LEFT FIELD
NOWHERE
THE BLUE
THIN AIR

ENDING IN CANDY BRANDS MINUS "S"

BURGER KING WHOPPER
FILM NERD
MEMENTO
PITCHER'S MOUND

Reveal full answer

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

CANOODLING

FIRST BASE
MAKING OUT
NECKING
TONSIL HOCKEY

FIVE-SIDED THINGS

HOME PLATE
JEANS BACK POCKET
SCHOOL CROSSING SIGN
THE PENTAGON

UNEXPECTED PLACES TO BE "OUT OF"

LEFT FIELD
NOWHERE
THE BLUE
THIN AIR

ENDING IN CANDY BRANDS MINUS "S"

BURGER KING WHOPPER
FILM NERD
MEMENTO
PITCHER'S MOUND

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