Connections Hints: May 9, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connections puzzle published on May 9, 2026 (2026-05-09). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdown when you're ready.

Meta: Puzzle #1144

Puzzle #1144 · 2026-05-09

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 #1144 for 2026-05-09, 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: UNITS OF TV PROGRAMS, THINGS WORN AROUND THE NECK, STRINGS TIED IN KNOTS 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.

UNITS OF TV PROGRAMS
THINGS WORN AROUND THE NECK
STRINGS TIED IN KNOTS
___ PIECE

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.

UNITS OF TV PROGRAMS

EPISODE

FRANCHISE

SEASON

SERIES

THINGS WORN AROUND THE NECK

BOA

CHAIN

LANYARD

TIE

STRINGS TIED IN KNOTS

FRIENDSHIP BRACELET

MACRAMÉ

QUIPU

SHOELACES

___ PIECE

CONVERSATION

PERIOD

PUFF

THINK

Reveal full answer

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