In New York Times Connections, sort 16 words into four groups of four. Today’s links use slang meanings, drink terminology, physical features, and word beginnings.
NYT Connections #1238 Puzzle Overview: 31 October 2026
SICK and DRY each have more than one meaning. Consider alternate meanings before settling on a set of four.
The sixteen words on today’s board are: STAYCATION, GUITAR, DIRTY, KILLER, SICK, DOWNFALL, SHAKEN, UP, TENNIS RACKET, SHAKESPEARE, WICKED, TASSEL, SITCOM, MARIONETTE, DRY, GNARLY.
NYT Connections Hints: 31 October 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 can express approval in casual speech.
- Each can be a compliment despite its negative literal sense.
Step 2 · one word
GNARLY
Step 3 · category
WORDS MEANING GOOD THAT SOUND BAD
Step 4 · all four words
GNARLY, KILLER, SICK, WICKED
Green group
Step 1 · two hints
- These describe choices made when ordering a drink.
- They specify a cocktail’s flavor, preparation, or serving style.
Step 2 · one word
DIRTY
Step 3 · category
MARTINI SPECIFICATIONS
Step 4 · all four words
DIRTY, DRY, SHAKEN, UP
Blue group
Step 1 · two hints
- Think about the physical parts of these objects.
- Each incorporates thin cords or strands.
Step 2 · one word
GUITAR
Step 3 · category
THINGS WITH STRINGS
Step 4 · all four words
GUITAR, MARIONETTE, TASSEL, TENNIS RACKET
Purple group
Step 1 · two hints
- Look for wordplay at the beginning of each entry.
- Each begins with an instruction used when training a pet.
Step 2 · one word
DOWNFALL
Step 3 · category
STARTING WITH DOG COMMANDS
Step 4 · all four words
DOWNFALL, SHAKESPEARE, SITCOM, STAYCATION
Less common words explained
- MARIONETTE: A puppet moved by pulling attached cords.
NYT Connections Answers: 31 October 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)
UP can be an instruction to a dog, so it may seem to fit the group based on dog commands. Here, it belongs with the martini specifications: it means served chilled without ice in the glass. GNARLY, KILLER, SICK, and WICKED all express approval in slang.
GUITAR and TENNIS RACKET have taut strings. A MARIONETTE is controlled by strings, while a TASSEL has hanging threads.
The purple entries begin with dog commands: DOWNFALL starts with DOWN, SHAKESPEARE with SHAKE, SITCOM with SIT, and STAYCATION with STAY.
Yesterday’s groups for 30 October 2026
- PARTS OF A CAMERA: FLASH, LENS, SHUTTER, VIEWFINDER
- AROUND A THEATER STAGE: BACKDROP, CURTAIN, PIT, WINGS
- THROW ___: HANDS, PILLOW, RUG, SHADE
- FRUIT WITH FIRST LETTER CHANGED: DEMON, DRAPE, GLUM, GRANGE
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: 30 Oct · 29 Oct · 28 Oct · 27 Oct · 26 Oct · 25 Oct · 24 Oct
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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