The New York Times Connections puzzle challenges players to sort 16 seemingly unrelated words into four connected groups. Each group shares a hidden link. Today’s grid blends physical actions, clever rearrangements, and nostalgic references, making it both playful and slightly deceptive. Below you’ll find gentle hints to guide your thinking, followed by the complete solutions once you’re ready to check your work.
NYT Connections Puzzle Overview: 21 January 2026
Today’s Connections puzzle leans heavily into verb-based thinking and lateral associations. Some groupings feel intuitive, while others rely on spotting patterns beyond surface meanings. The anagram set is especially tempting early on, while the final category rewards solvers who recall classic childhood games.
NYT Connections Hints: 21 January 2026
Category 1:
- Think about everyday waste management
- Items commonly placed in a specific bin
- Found in homes, offices, and public spaces
- Often collected weekly by city services
Category 2:
- Found in bedrooms or on couches
- Soft, fabric-based household items
- Used for comfort or decoration
- Common in linen closets
Category 3:
- All relate to taking someone else’s work
- Informal or slang-style usage
- Often implies dishonesty
- Associated with copying without permission
Category 4:
- Connected to a famous comic-book hero
- Iconic gadgets and gear
- Often prefixed by the same word
- Frequently seen in movies and comics
NYT Connections Answers: 21 January 2026
Here are the answers, grouped by category.
Category 1:
Category 2:
Category 3:
Category 4:
Conclusion & Quick Strategy Tip
The 21 January 2026 Connections puzzle balances straightforward action words with trickier conceptual links, making it satisfying once everything clicks. Quick strategy tip: lock in obvious verb groups early, then examine remaining words for structural patterns or shared cultural references.
