NYT Connections challenges players to categorize 16 words into four groups of four, emphasizing pattern recognition and lateral thinking. The puzzle from February 1, 2026, combined simple synonyms with clever wordplay and visual shape categories. Below, you’ll find insightful hints followed by the complete answers organized by group.
Overview of the NYT Connections Puzzle: February 1, 2026
Today’s grid presented a well-balanced challenge: one group focused on synonyms related to promotion, another on types of shoes, a third utilized visual and shape-based wordplay, and the final group explored musical terminology with a linguistic twist. Those who quickly identified the promotion group and navigated through the shoe-related terms typically moved ahead more swiftly; others tended to get stuck on the Y-shaped objects and musical rhyme categories.
Hints for NYT Connections: February 1, 2026
Category 1:
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Consider verbs that signify “to promote” or “to advertise.”
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Commonly associated with marketing, entertainment, and business sectors.
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Frequent terms used when seeking to attract attention to an idea or product.
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Each expresses a similar action but with different nuances.
Category 2:
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These refer to various styles and types of shoes.
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Encompasses both casual and formal footwear options.
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Includes one type that is a sturdy, typically wooden-soled shoe.
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Another type is characterized as a backless slip-on, while one boasts a distinct angled heel.
Category 3:
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Focus on the visual shapes these words or objects represent.
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Each item features a unique outline or silhouette that resembles a letter.
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Visualize how these words appear when represented graphically.
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This is a challenging category that encourages thinking beyond traditional definitions.
Category 4:
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All four terms are related to music.
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They include various genres or types of musical works.
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The connection is rooted in shared linguistic features across these terms.
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Consider the structural commonalities among these musical terms.
Answers for NYT Connections: February 1, 2026
Here are the categorized answers.
Category 1:
Category 2:
Category 3:
Category 4:
Summary & Quick Strategy Tip
In today’s puzzle, straightforward synonym groupings blended with a creative visual-wordplay category and musical vocabulary, achieving a satisfying mix of challenge. Many solvers likely raced through the promotion and shoe categories before pausing to discern the tricky Y-shaped objects—a gratifying moment for those who recognized the pattern.
Quick strategy tip: tackle the obvious synonym categories (promotion, footwear) first to clear your mind, allowing you to focus on deciphering the remaining, less common words that hint at the more challenging visual and musical themes.
