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: 23 January 2026
Today’s grid balanced concrete ideas with abstract associations. Many solvers likely felt confident early on, thanks to recognizable categories, but overlapping meanings added hesitation. The puzzle rewarded careful reading and resisting the urge to rush, especially when multiple words seemed to fit more than one group.
NYT Connections Hints: 23 January 2026
Category 1:
- All items relate to parts of the human body
- They are found on the head or face
- Common in everyday descriptions
- Often referenced in grooming or appearance
Category 2:
- These words describe places or methods
- All are connected to leaving a car somewhere
- You might encounter them in a city
- Payment or service is sometimes involved
Category 3:
- These are traditional measurements
- Not part of the modern metric system
- Often seen in older texts or farming contexts
- Still used informally today
Category 4:
- Each word commonly comes before the same noun
- Think of compound phrases
- The shared word relates to visibility or signals
- Often used in transportation or science
NYT Connections Answers: 23 January 2026
Here are the answers, grouped by category.
Category 1:
Category 2:
Category 3:
Category 4:
Conclusion & Quick Strategy Tip
The 23 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.
