NYT Connections is the daily word game that asks you to sort 16 seemingly unrelated words into four logical groups of four. For 07 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: 07 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: 07 January 2026
Category 1:
- Think of someone who looks exactly like someone else
- These words all suggest near-identical appearance
- Often used when comparing people
- “Lookalike” is a helpful clue
Category 2:
- These words deal with ownership or involvement
- Often used in business or personal contexts
- Each implies having a part in something
- Think shares, not wholes
Category 3:
- Visual elements seen on many national flags
- Simple shapes or icons
- Widely recognized across countries
- Often symbolic in nature
Category 4:
- Created by applying pressure
- Not all items are food
- Involves squeezing or flattening
- Think of outcomes, not tools
NYT Connections Answers: 07 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.
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