NYT Connections #952 (Jan 18, 2026): Hints First, Then Today’s Categories & Answers

NYT Connections #952 (Jan 18, 2026): Hints First, Then Today’s Categories & Answers

By Swikriti Dandotia · Updated Jan 18, 2026

If you’re stuck on NYT Connections #952, you’re not alone — today’s grid hides a few “looks-related-but-isn’t” traps. Below you’ll get spoiler-light hints first, followed by tap-to-reveal category names and the full set of answers when you’re ready. (Play the official game on NYT Games.)

Spoiler warning: The first section is safe hints. The answers are hidden behind “Reveal” panels further down.

Today’s NYT Connections #952: Spoiler-light hints

  • One group: things you’d associate with a certain waterfowl.
  • One group: verbs for ruining something beyond repair.
  • One group: details you’d expect to see around a book’s back cover / jacket copy.
  • One group: surnames of classic big-screen leading men.

Quick strategy: if you see a cluster that feels “too obvious,” lock it in early — then work outward. Connections loves decoys.


Reveal the categories (tap to open)

YellowReveal category hint

“Quack-tastic” traits — think anatomy/traits of a duck.

GreenReveal category hint

Verbs meaning to destroy or ruin something.

BlueReveal category hint

Information you might find printed on a book jacket.

PurpleReveal category hint

Classic Hollywood actor surnames.


NYT Connections #952 answers (tap to reveal)

YellowFEATURES OF A DUCK — Reveal answers
  • BILL
  • FEATHERS
  • WEBBING
  • WINGS
GreenDESTROY — Reveal answers
  • BREAK
  • DAMAGE
  • TOTAL
  • WRECK
BlueFOUND ON A BOOK JACKET — Reveal answers
  • AUTHOR
  • QUOTE
  • SYNOPSIS
  • TITLE
PurpleCLASSIC HOLLYWOOD ACTORS — Reveal answers
  • COOPER
  • GRANT
  • PECK
  • PRICE

What tripped people up today?

The hardest part of #952 is that several words can feel like they belong to multiple themes at first glance. If you started grouping GRANT or PRICE as money-related, you probably burned a guess before realizing the puzzle wanted classic actor surnames instead.

If you’re writing up daily puzzle coverage, you can also browse the NYT Games hub here: New York Times Games.

More daily puzzle posts on Swikblog: swikblog.com

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