Connections Hints: Aug 9, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connections puzzle published on Aug 9, 2026 (2026-08-09). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdown when you're ready.

Meta: Puzzle #1240

Puzzle #1240 · 2026-08-09

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 #1240 for 2026-08-09, 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: TAKE A DIFFERENT APPROACH, CLASSIC CHILDREN'S BOOKS, MOVIE SUBGENRES 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.

  • TAKE A DIFFERENT APPROACH
  • CLASSIC CHILDREN'S BOOKS
  • MOVIE SUBGENRES
  • THINGS PEOPLE TRY TO GET OUT OF

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.

TAKE A DIFFERENT APPROACH

CHANGE TACK
COURSE-CORRECT
RECALIBRATE
SHIFT GEARS

CLASSIC CHILDREN'S BOOKS

CAPS FOR SALE
CORDUROY
GOODNIGHT MOON
MADELINE

MOVIE SUBGENRES

BUDDY COP
NEO-NOIR
SPACE OPERA
SPAGHETTI WESTERN

THINGS PEOPLE TRY TO GET OUT OF

BAD DREAM
ESCAPE ROOM
JURY DUTY
LABYRINTH

Reveal full answer

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

TAKE A DIFFERENT APPROACH

CHANGE TACK
COURSE-CORRECT
RECALIBRATE
SHIFT GEARS

CLASSIC CHILDREN'S BOOKS

CAPS FOR SALE
CORDUROY
GOODNIGHT MOON
MADELINE

MOVIE SUBGENRES

BUDDY COP
NEO-NOIR
SPACE OPERA
SPAGHETTI WESTERN

THINGS PEOPLE TRY TO GET OUT OF

BAD DREAM
ESCAPE ROOM
JURY DUTY
LABYRINTH

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