Connections Hints: Jul 16, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connections puzzle published on Jul 16, 2026 (2026-07-16). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdown when you're ready.

Meta: Puzzle #1202

Puzzle #1202 · 2026-07-16

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 #1202 for 2026-07-16, 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: SKINCARE PRODUCTS, SHADES OF BLACK, ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION 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.

SKINCARE PRODUCTS
SHADES OF BLACK
ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION
STARTING WITH TINY MARKS

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.

SKINCARE PRODUCTS

CLAY MASK

EYE CREAM

PEEL

TONER

SHADES OF BLACK

CHARCOAL

INK

JET

PITCH

ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION

BULLSEYE

CLOCKWORK

LASER

NEEDLE

STARTING WITH TINY MARKS

DOT MATRIX

PERIOD PIECE

POINT BREAK

SPOT REMOVER

Reveal full answer

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