Connections Hints: Jan 31, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connections puzzle published on Jan 31, 2026 (2026-01-31). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdown when you're ready.

Meta: Puzzle #1023

Puzzle #1023 · 2026-01-31

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 #1023 for 2026-01-31, 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: KINDS OF PARTIES, WAYS TO APPLY PAINT, Y-SHAPED THINGS 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.

  • KINDS OF PARTIES
  • WAYS TO APPLY PAINT
  • Y-SHAPED THINGS
  • WHAT "SHIFT" MIGHT REFER TO

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.

KINDS OF PARTIES

BALL
MIXER
RECEPTION
SHOWER

WAYS TO APPLY PAINT

BRUSH
PALETTE KNIFE
ROLLER
SPRAY CAN

Y-SHAPED THINGS

SLINGSHOT
STETHOSCOPE
TUNING FORK
WISHBONE

WHAT "SHIFT" MIGHT REFER TO

COMPUTER KEY
DRESS
FLUCTUATION
WORK PERIOD

Reveal full answer

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

KINDS OF PARTIES

BALL
MIXER
RECEPTION
SHOWER

WAYS TO APPLY PAINT

BRUSH
PALETTE KNIFE
ROLLER
SPRAY CAN

Y-SHAPED THINGS

SLINGSHOT
STETHOSCOPE
TUNING FORK
WISHBONE

WHAT "SHIFT" MIGHT REFER TO

COMPUTER KEY
DRESS
FLUCTUATION
WORK PERIOD

Looking for today's puzzle instead? Head back to the Today's Connections hints page, or open the full archive for another date.

Move between Connections dates

Return to today, browse the archive, or step one puzzle backward or forward when a nearby board is available.