NYT Connections is the daily word game that asks you to sort 16 seemingly unrelated words into four logical groups of four. For 04 January 2026, the puzzle featured a delightful mix of direct categories and clever wordplay that kept solvers on their toes. Some groupings were refreshingly straightforward, while others required a creative leap. Below, you'll find spoiler-free hints first, followed by the full answers.

NYT Connections Puzzle Overview: 04 January 2026

Today's grid offered something for everyone—strong starting options for confident solvers, paired with a tricky purple category that rewarded creative thinking. The puzzle balanced pop culture familiarity with linguistic playfulness, making it an engaging challenge regardless of your expertise level. A couple of categories revealed themselves quickly, while the final group required lateral thinking and attention to letter patterns.

NYT Connections Hints: 04 January 2026

Category 1:
  • Think of media you might subscribe to
  • Includes both printed and digital formats
  • Often feature stories, photos, and advertisements
  • Single editions matter here
Category 2:
  • These describe rotational or twisting actions
  • You might use them with rope or wire
  • Related to movement and mechanics
  • Words associated with tools or machinery
Category 3:
  • These are defensive football movements
  • Players execute these during plays
  • Common sports terminology
  • Actions that stop opposing offense
Category 4:
  • Each word is a synonym for something you sit on
  • But there's a twist with the first letter
  • A wordplay pattern connects them all
  • Creative and unexpected combinations

NYT Connections Answers: 04 January 2026

Here are the answers for today, grouped by category:

Category 1:
Category 2:
Category 3:
Category 4:

Conclusion & Quick Strategy Tip

Today's puzzle delivered a well-balanced challenge with clear categories bookending a cleverly disguised purple group. The first three categories rewarded specific knowledge (media, mechanics, football), while the final group punished literal thinking in favor of creative wordplay.

Quick strategy tip: If three categories feel obvious, don't force them immediately—the purple category often contains hidden letters or linguistic twists that might explain confusing words. Take a moment to examine letter patterns before locking in your answers, especially when dealing with seemingly random words that don't fit your initial theories.