NYT Connections is the daily word game that asks you to sort 16 seemingly unrelated words into four logical groups of four. For 8 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: 08 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: 08 January 2026

Category 1:
  • Think about brief physical reactions
  • Often felt rather than seen
  • Common responses to excitement or fear
  • Subtle sensations, not full emotions
Category 2:
  • Actions that bend social norms
  • Often discouraged by signs or laws
  • Small acts, not major crimes
  • Things people are told not to do
Category 3:
  • Objects that pivot or apply force
  • Simple tools or playground items
  • All rely on balance or pressure
  • Think basic mechanics
Category 4:
  • Words hiding something at the start
  • Each begins with the same sweet idea
  • Not all are literal treats
  • Focus on the opening letters

NYT Connections Answers: 08January 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.