NYT Connections is the daily word game that asks you to sort 16 seemingly unrelated words into four logical groups of four. For 11 January 2026, the puzzle blended abstract ideas, cultural references, and clever wordplay. Some categories felt instantly familiar, while others required a second look. Below, you’ll find spoiler-free hints first, followed by the full answers.

NYT Connections Puzzle Overview: 11 January 2026

Today’s grid leaned heavily into concepts and associations rather than literal definitions. A couple of categories appeared deceptively obvious, while one relied on a playful linguistic twist. Overall, this was a satisfying mix that rewarded broad knowledge and careful reading, especially for solvers who double-check patterns before locking answers.

NYT Connections Hints: 11 January 2026

Category 1:
  • Words that describe people acting together
  • Often interchangeable in casual conversation
  • Can refer to formal or informal collections
  • Think teamwork or unity
Category 2:
  • Verbs linked to sudden downward movement
  • Often used in dramatic or negative contexts
  • Can describe both physical and abstract decline
  • Suggests loss of control or impact
Category 3:
  • Items you’d find in a bathroom fixture
  • All are functional components
  • Typically associated with water use
  • Common household hardware
Category 4:
  • Equipment associated with riding animals
  • Common in stables or training contexts
  • Includes both worn and handheld items
  • Think horseback riding essentials

NYT Connections Answers: 11 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 offered a pleasant mix of trivia and orthographic trickery — approachable if you spotted the obvious categories, trickier if you focused only on letters. Quick strategy tip: when a cluster looks like trivia, scan for proper names first; when letters look odd, test pronunciations and small edits.