Connections Hints: Jul 15, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connections puzzle published on Jul 15, 2026 (2026-07-15). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdown when you're ready.

Meta: Puzzle #1217

Puzzle #1217 · 2026-07-15

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 #1217 for 2026-07-15, 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: TERMS FOR THE LEGAL SYSTEM, THINGS WITH LACES, KINDS OF SPORTS 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.

  • TERMS FOR THE LEGAL SYSTEM
  • THINGS WITH LACES
  • KINDS OF SPORTS
  • WORDS BEFORE "ROOM" TO INDICATE EXTRA SPACE

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.

TERMS FOR THE LEGAL SYSTEM

BAR
BENCH
COURT
TRIBUNAL

THINGS WITH LACES

BASEBALL GLOVE
CORSET
FOOTBALL
SHOE

KINDS OF SPORTS

EXTREME
MOTOR
RACKET
WATER

WORDS BEFORE "ROOM" TO INDICATE EXTRA SPACE

BREATHING
ELBOW
HEAD
WIGGLE

Reveal full answer

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

TERMS FOR THE LEGAL SYSTEM

BAR
BENCH
COURT
TRIBUNAL

THINGS WITH LACES

BASEBALL GLOVE
CORSET
FOOTBALL
SHOE

KINDS OF SPORTS

EXTREME
MOTOR
RACKET
WATER

WORDS BEFORE "ROOM" TO INDICATE EXTRA SPACE

BREATHING
ELBOW
HEAD
WIGGLE

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