Connections Hints: Jan 17, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connections puzzle published on Jan 17, 2026 (2026-01-17). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdown when you're ready.

Meta: Puzzle #1009

Puzzle #1009 · 2026-01-17

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 #1009 for 2026-01-17, 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: SPREAD OVER, THROW, ANAGRAMS 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.

SPREAD OVER
THROW
ANAGRAMS
FIRST WORDS OF KIDS' GAMES

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.

SPREAD OVER

BLANKET

COAT

COVER

PLASTER

THROW

CAST

HURL

PELT

SLING

ANAGRAMS

INKS

KINS

SINK

SKIN

FIRST WORDS OF KIDS' GAMES

CAPTURE

HIDE

RED

SIMON

Reveal full answer

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