Connections Hints: May 21, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connections puzzle published on May 21, 2026 (2026-05-21). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdown when you're ready.

Meta: Puzzle #1158

Puzzle #1158 · 2026-05-21

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 #1158 for 2026-05-21, 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: KINDS OF PIES, THINGS ASSOCIATED WITH BUTTS, TENNIS SCORING TERMS 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.

KINDS OF PIES
THINGS ASSOCIATED WITH BUTTS
TENNIS SCORING TERMS
___ MUSTARD

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.

KINDS OF PIES

CHESS

PECAN

PUMPKIN

SHOOFLY

THINGS ASSOCIATED WITH BUTTS

CABOOSE

CAN

MOON

PEACH

TENNIS SCORING TERMS

ADVANTAGE

DEUCE

FORTY

LOVE

___ MUSTARD

COLONEL

HONEY

HOT

YELLOW

Reveal full answer

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