Connections Hints: Sep 14, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connections puzzle published on Sep 14, 2026 (2026-09-14). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdown when you're ready.

Meta: Puzzle #1288

Puzzle #1288 · 2026-09-14

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 #1288 for 2026-09-14, 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: WATERBIRDS, INFORMANT, COMMON SINGLE-USE PLASTIC ITEMS 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.

WATERBIRDS
INFORMANT
COMMON SINGLE-USE PLASTIC ITEMS
___GRASS

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.

WATERBIRDS

COOT

GOOSE

LOON

TEAL

INFORMANT

CANARY

RAT

SNITCH

STOOLIE

COMMON SINGLE-USE PLASTIC ITEMS

BAG

CUTLERY

STIRRER

STRAW

___GRASS

BLUE

CRAB

LEMON

WHEAT

Reveal full answer

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