Connections Hints: Aug 21, 2026
This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connections puzzle published on Aug 21, 2026 (2026-08-21). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdown when you're ready.
Meta: Puzzle #1251
Puzzle #1251 · 2026-08-21
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.
Hint 1 – overall theme
There are 4 groups in today’s puzzle.
Themes include: THINGS MOST ANIMALS NEED, CALLS TO BEGIN A PERFORMANCE, ___ KIDS 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.
- THINGS MOST ANIMALS NEED
- CALLS TO BEGIN A PERFORMANCE
- ___ KIDS
- ONCE IN A ___
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.
THINGS MOST ANIMALS NEED
CALLS TO BEGIN A PERFORMANCE
___ KIDS
ONCE IN A ___
Reveal full answer
This is the full breakdown of today's Connections puzzle: group titles and all tiles, grouped together.
THINGS MOST ANIMALS NEED
CALLS TO BEGIN A PERFORMANCE
___ KIDS
ONCE IN A ___
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