Connections Hints: Jul 28, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connections puzzle published on Jul 28, 2026 (2026-07-28). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdown when you're ready.

Meta: Puzzle #1227

Puzzle #1227 · 2026-07-28

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 #1227 for 2026-07-28, 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: COMMAND, HOW DO YOU LIKE THEM APPLES, SHOE BRANDS STARTING WITH "C" 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.

  • COMMAND
  • HOW DO YOU LIKE THEM APPLES
  • SHOE BRANDS STARTING WITH "C"
  • STARTING WITH PALINDROMIC NAMES

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.

COMMAND

CAPTAIN
DIRECT
HEAD
LEAD

HOW DO YOU LIKE THEM APPLES

EMPIRE
FUJI
GALA
HONEYCRISP

SHOE BRANDS STARTING WITH "C"

CAMPER
CLARKS
CONVERSE
CROCS

STARTING WITH PALINDROMIC NAMES

ANNAPOLIS
BOBSLED
EVEREST
OTTOMAN

Reveal full answer

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

COMMAND

CAPTAIN
DIRECT
HEAD
LEAD

HOW DO YOU LIKE THEM APPLES

EMPIRE
FUJI
GALA
HONEYCRISP

SHOE BRANDS STARTING WITH "C"

CAMPER
CLARKS
CONVERSE
CROCS

STARTING WITH PALINDROMIC NAMES

ANNAPOLIS
BOBSLED
EVEREST
OTTOMAN

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