Today’s NYT Connections puzzle for January 28, 2026 (Puzzle #962) looks deceptively simple at first glance, but it quickly proves otherwise. Several words seem interchangeable, and that overlap is exactly where many players stumble. This grid rewards slow thinking, careful grouping, and an eye for how everyday phrases are commonly used.
If you’re new to the game, Connections asks you to divide sixteen words into four groups of four, with each group sharing a precise relationship. Only one grouping works for each word, and a single misplaced selection can derail your progress. That’s why a methodical approach matters more than rushing.
If you need a refresher on how the game works, the official New York Times Connections game explains the rules clearly, but solving consistently comes down to recognising patterns and resisting red herrings.
A useful strategy is to scan for words that feel interchangeable in casual speech. Ask yourself whether some terms could describe the same idea in different ways, or whether certain words often appear together in common expressions. Also, don’t underestimate the value of shuffling the board — changing the layout can reveal relationships you missed.
If you’re stuck, take a breath before guessing. Connections punishes impulsive clicks, but it often rewards stepping back and re-reading the entire grid with fresh eyes.
Today’s NYT Connections hints
🟨 Yellow group hint: These words are used when something is not genuine, authentic, or real — often to describe behaviour, objects, or actions that imitate the original.
🟩 Green group hint: Think practical and physical. These items are commonly kept together because they help with household or hands-on tasks that involve mess.
🟦 Blue group hint: This set belongs to a single piece of equipment. Each word refers to a different physical part that plays a role in how it functions.
🟪 Purple group hint: These words complete a familiar phrase. On their own, they may seem unrelated, but paired with the same word, they all make perfect sense.
Still unsure? Here is one carefully chosen word from each group to help narrow things down without giving the game away.
Yellow group sample word: Dummy
Green group sample word: Soap
Blue group sample word: Tonearm
Purple group sample word: Rib
At this stage, many players find that two groups start to lock in, while the remaining words feel frustratingly flexible. That tension is intentional — today’s puzzle leans heavily on how words are used in everyday language rather than strict definitions.
If you want one final nudge, the official group labels are listed below. Stop scrolling now if you’d prefer to solve it yourself.
NYT Connections group names
Yellow group: Imitation
Green group: Cleaning supplies
Blue group: Components of a record player
Purple group: Spare ___
Today’s NYT Connections answers
🟨 Yellow group
Dummy, Mock, Pretend, Sham
🟩 Green group
Bucket, Gloves, Rag, Soap
🟦 Blue group
Motor, Needle, Platter, Tonearm
🟪 Purple group
Me, Rib, Time, Tire
Once revealed, today’s purple category tends to produce the biggest “aha” moment, as the connection relies on a shared phrase rather than obvious similarities. It’s a classic Connections move — hiding clarity behind familiarity.
Whether you solved it cleanly or needed a hint or two, Puzzle #962 offers a satisfying balance of logic and wordplay. Tomorrow’s grid will bring a fresh challenge — and likely a whole new set of misdirections.
