Connections Hints: Jul 2, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connections puzzle published on Jul 2, 2026 (2026-07-02). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdown when you're ready.

Meta: Puzzle #1190

Puzzle #1190 · 2026-07-02

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 #1190 for 2026-07-02, 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: THEY IMPERSONATE OTHER THINGS, OLD-TIMEY NAMES FOR THINGS WE STILL USE, STARTING WITH NICKNAMES 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.

  • THEY IMPERSONATE OTHER THINGS
  • OLD-TIMEY NAMES FOR THINGS WE STILL USE
  • STARTING WITH NICKNAMES
  • STARTING WITH SPORTS VENUES

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.

THEY IMPERSONATE OTHER THINGS

COPYCAT
MIME
MOCKINGBIRD
T-1000

OLD-TIMEY NAMES FOR THINGS WE STILL USE

LOOKING GLASS
SPECTACLES
TALKIE
WATER CLOSET

STARTING WITH NICKNAMES

BILLY GOAT
DAN DAN NOODLES
RICH TEXT
TOM-TOM

STARTING WITH SPORTS VENUES

COURT JESTER
DIAMOND RING
FIELD MOUSE
TRACK RECORD

Reveal full answer

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

THEY IMPERSONATE OTHER THINGS

COPYCAT
MIME
MOCKINGBIRD
T-1000

OLD-TIMEY NAMES FOR THINGS WE STILL USE

LOOKING GLASS
SPECTACLES
TALKIE
WATER CLOSET

STARTING WITH NICKNAMES

BILLY GOAT
DAN DAN NOODLES
RICH TEXT
TOM-TOM

STARTING WITH SPORTS VENUES

COURT JESTER
DIAMOND RING
FIELD MOUSE
TRACK RECORD

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