Connections Hints: Sep 17, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connections puzzle published on Sep 17, 2026 (2026-09-17). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdown when you're ready.

Meta: Puzzle #1296

Puzzle #1296 · 2026-09-17

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 #1296 for 2026-09-17, 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: ELASTICITY, THINGS THAT ARE UNDERGROUND, HUGH JACKMAN MOVIES, WITH "THE" 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.

ELASTICITY
THINGS THAT ARE UNDERGROUND
HUGH JACKMAN MOVIES, WITH "THE"
LOVE ___

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.

ELASTICITY

BOUNCE

FLEXIBILITY

GIVE

SPRING

THINGS THAT ARE UNDERGROUND

MINE SHAFT

SEWER LINE

SUBWAY STATION

WELL

HUGH JACKMAN MOVIES, WITH "THE"

FOUNTAIN

PRESTIGE

SHEEP DETECTIVES

WOLVERINE

LOVE ___

HANDLES

LANGUAGE

TAP

TRIANGLE

Reveal full answer

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