Connections Hints: May 22, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connections puzzle published on May 22, 2026 (2026-05-22). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdown when you're ready.

Meta: Puzzle #1153

Puzzle #1153 · 2026-05-22

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 #1153 for 2026-05-22, 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: REACH BACK OUT, THE WAY THINGS ARE DONE, PLACES WITH CONVEYOR BELTS 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.

  • REACH BACK OUT
  • THE WAY THINGS ARE DONE
  • PLACES WITH CONVEYOR BELTS
  • STARTING WITH NAME HOMOPHONES

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.

REACH BACK OUT

CHECK IN
FOLLOW UP
RECONNECT
TOUCH BASE

THE WAY THINGS ARE DONE

CONVENTION
CUSTOM
SOCIAL NORM
UNWRITTEN RULE

PLACES WITH CONVEYOR BELTS

ASSEMBLY LINE
BAGGAGE CLAIM
CHECKOUT LANE
REVOLVING SUSHI BAR

STARTING WITH NAME HOMOPHONES

CARRY-ON
EL NIÑO
LOOSEY-GOOSEY
TAILOR-MADE

Reveal full answer

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

REACH BACK OUT

CHECK IN
FOLLOW UP
RECONNECT
TOUCH BASE

THE WAY THINGS ARE DONE

CONVENTION
CUSTOM
SOCIAL NORM
UNWRITTEN RULE

PLACES WITH CONVEYOR BELTS

ASSEMBLY LINE
BAGGAGE CLAIM
CHECKOUT LANE
REVOLVING SUSHI BAR

STARTING WITH NAME HOMOPHONES

CARRY-ON
EL NIÑO
LOOSEY-GOOSEY
TAILOR-MADE

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