New York Times Connections asks you to sort 16 words into four groups of four. Today’s groups use related meanings, descriptive terms, shared physical features, and word endings.
NYT Connections #1247 Puzzle Overview: 09 November 2026
RIP-OFF and SKINNY each have more than one meaning. Consider each word’s possible uses before committing to a set.
The sixteen words on today’s board are: STEAK KNIFE, CARD SHARK, CON JOB, BOOTCUT, NAVY SEAL, SHELL GAME, MINT LEAF, GAMMA RAY, TAPE DISPENSER, LOW-RISE, FUN SPONGE, RIP-OFF, SKINNY, FLIMFLAM, GRAPEFRUIT SPOON, DISTRESSED.
NYT Connections Hints: 09 November 2026
Each of the four color groups below opens in four steps: hints, one word, the category name, then all four words. Stop at the step that gives enough help.
Yellow group
Step 1 · two hints
- These all involve misleading someone.
- Think of dishonest ways to take someone’s money.
Step 2 · one word
CON JOB
Step 3 · category
DECEITFUL SCHEME
Step 4 · all four words
CON JOB, FLIMFLAM, RIP-OFF, SHELL GAME
Green group
Step 1 · two hints
- These describe how clothing looks or fits.
- Think about leg shape, waist height, and fabric wear.
Step 2 · one word
BOOTCUT
Step 3 · category
JEANS DESCRIPTORS
Step 4 · all four words
BOOTCUT, DISTRESSED, LOW-RISE, SKINNY
Blue group
Step 1 · two hints
- Look at the outlines of these objects.
- Each has a jagged or toothed border.
Step 2 · one word
GRAPEFRUIT SPOON
Step 3 · category
THINGS WITH SERRATED EDGES
Step 4 · all four words
GRAPEFRUIT SPOON, MINT LEAF, STEAK KNIFE, TAPE DISPENSER
Purple group
Step 1 · two hints
- The connection is wordplay at the end of each entry.
- The final word in each entry names an animal that lives in the ocean.
Step 2 · one word
CARD SHARK
Step 3 · category
ENDING IN SEA CREATURES
Step 4 · all four words
CARD SHARK, FUN SPONGE, GAMMA RAY, NAVY SEAL
Less common words explained
- FLIMFLAM: Flimflam means trickery used to cheat someone.
- FUN SPONGE: A fun sponge is someone who spoils other people’s enjoyment.
NYT Connections Answers: 09 November 2026
Step 4 of each group above holds its answer. The full solved grid and notes on today’s tricky words are folded below.
Full solved grid
Tricky words (spoilers)
CARD SHARK can mean a skilled card player or a card cheat, which may suggest the deceitful-scheme group. It belongs in the group ending in sea creatures.
CARD SHARK ends in shark, FUN SPONGE in sponge, GAMMA RAY in ray, and NAVY SEAL in seal. Each final word names a sea creature.
Yesterday’s groups for 8 November 2026
- MUSCULAR: BUILT, CUT, JACKED, RIPPED
- HAIR SALON SERVICES: BLOWOUT, COLOR, EXTENSIONS, TRIM
- THINGS THAT HELP MAKE SENSE OF A SITUATION: CLARITY, CONTEXT, INSIGHT, PERSPECTIVE
- VEGETABLE HOMOPHONES: CARAT, CHARRED, KORN, LEAK
More Connections: Yesterday’s puzzle · Play Connections on The New York Times
Also today: Wordle · Strands · Pips · Phrazle · Quordle · Keyword · Colordle · Unwordle · Hurdle · NYT Crossword · NYT Mini · NYT Midi · Jumble · Spelling Bee · Letter Boxed · Parseword · Poeltl
Earlier days: 8 Nov · 7 Nov · 6 Nov · 5 Nov · 4 Nov · 3 Nov · 2 Nov
Questions about Connections
When does Connections change to a new puzzle?
A new puzzle arrives at midnight in the player’s own time zone.
How many tries does a player get in Connections?
The game ends after four mistakes.
Where can a person play Connections?
Play on The New York Times Games site or in the NYT Games app: Connections.
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