Connections Hints: Sep 3, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connections puzzle published on Sep 3, 2026 (2026-09-03). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdown when you're ready.

Meta: Puzzle #1278

Puzzle #1278 · 2026-09-03

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 #1278 for 2026-09-03, 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: TWO SHAKES OF A LAMB'S TAIL, SHADES OF RED, TOY CAR BRANDS 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.

TWO SHAKES OF A LAMB'S TAIL
SHADES OF RED
TOY CAR BRANDS
SPREADSHEET FUNCTIONS

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.

TWO SHAKES OF A LAMB'S TAIL

BLINK

FLASH

HEARTBEAT

TRICE

SHADES OF RED

CARMINE

CINNABAR

MAROON

VERMILLION

TOY CAR BRANDS

HOT WHEELS

MATCHBOX

MICRO MACHINES

TONKA

SPREADSHEET FUNCTIONS

AVERAGE

COUNT

MAX

SUM

Reveal full answer

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