Connections Hints: Jun 16, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connections puzzle published on Jun 16, 2026 (2026-06-16). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdown when you're ready.

Meta: Puzzle #1185

Puzzle #1185 · 2026-06-16

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 #1185 for 2026-06-16, 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: CREAMY SALAD DRESSINGS, ATTENDANTS, RARE THINGS, IDIOMATICALLY 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.

  • CREAMY SALAD DRESSINGS
  • ATTENDANTS
  • RARE THINGS, IDIOMATICALLY
  • WHAT "HOOPS" MIGHT REFER TO

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.

CREAMY SALAD DRESSINGS

BLUE CHEESE
CAESAR
GREEN GODDESS
RANCH

ATTENDANTS

COURT
ENTOURAGE
RETINUE
SUITE

RARE THINGS, IDIOMATICALLY

BLACK SWAN
BLUE MOON
PERFECT STORM
UNICORN

WHAT "HOOPS" MIGHT REFER TO

BASKETBALL
EARRINGS
RED TAPE
RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS GEAR

Reveal full answer

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

CREAMY SALAD DRESSINGS

BLUE CHEESE
CAESAR
GREEN GODDESS
RANCH

ATTENDANTS

COURT
ENTOURAGE
RETINUE
SUITE

RARE THINGS, IDIOMATICALLY

BLACK SWAN
BLUE MOON
PERFECT STORM
UNICORN

WHAT "HOOPS" MIGHT REFER TO

BASKETBALL
EARRINGS
RED TAPE
RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS GEAR

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