Connections Hints: Aug 12, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connections puzzle published on Aug 12, 2026 (2026-08-12). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdown when you're ready.

Meta: Puzzle #1243

Puzzle #1243 · 2026-08-12

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 #1243 for 2026-08-12, 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: HOLD ONTO, AS A FEELING, KINDS OF FROGS, NBC SITCOM SURNAMES 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.

  • HOLD ONTO, AS A FEELING
  • KINDS OF FROGS
  • NBC SITCOM SURNAMES
  • STARTING WITH AFFIRMATIVE RESPONSES

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.

HOLD ONTO, AS A FEELING

FOSTER
HARBOR
MAINTAIN
NURSE

KINDS OF FROGS

BULL
GREEN
POISON DART
TREE

NBC SITCOM SURNAMES

BENES
BING
LEMON
SCOTT

STARTING WITH AFFIRMATIVE RESPONSES

FINE PRINT
GOODBYE
GREAT WHITE
OKAYAMA

Reveal full answer

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

HOLD ONTO, AS A FEELING

FOSTER
HARBOR
MAINTAIN
NURSE

KINDS OF FROGS

BULL
GREEN
POISON DART
TREE

NBC SITCOM SURNAMES

BENES
BING
LEMON
SCOTT

STARTING WITH AFFIRMATIVE RESPONSES

FINE PRINT
GOODBYE
GREAT WHITE
OKAYAMA

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