Connections Hints: Jul 3, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connections puzzle published on Jul 3, 2026 (2026-07-03). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdown when you're ready.

Meta: Puzzle #1209

Puzzle #1209 · 2026-07-03

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 #1209 for 2026-07-03, 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: POSITIVE FEELINGS, RETRO EXPRESSIONS OF APPROVAL, BAD THINGS TO GIVE SOMEONE 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.

  • POSITIVE FEELINGS
  • RETRO EXPRESSIONS OF APPROVAL
  • BAD THINGS TO GIVE SOMEONE
  • WHAT THINGS PRONOUNCED "T" 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.

POSITIVE FEELINGS

BLISS
FELICITY
HAPPINESS
WARM FUZZIES

RETRO EXPRESSIONS OF APPROVAL

COOL BEANS
FAR OUT
GROOVY
RIGHT ON

BAD THINGS TO GIVE SOMEONE

COLD SHOULDER
DIRTY LOOK
HARD TIME
RUNAROUND

WHAT THINGS PRONOUNCED "T" MIGHT REFER TO

GOLF ACCESSORY
GOSSIP
HOT DRINK
SHIRT

Reveal full answer

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

POSITIVE FEELINGS

BLISS
FELICITY
HAPPINESS
WARM FUZZIES

RETRO EXPRESSIONS OF APPROVAL

COOL BEANS
FAR OUT
GROOVY
RIGHT ON

BAD THINGS TO GIVE SOMEONE

COLD SHOULDER
DIRTY LOOK
HARD TIME
RUNAROUND

WHAT THINGS PRONOUNCED "T" MIGHT REFER TO

GOLF ACCESSORY
GOSSIP
HOT DRINK
SHIRT

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