The New York Times Connections puzzle invites players to organize 16 seemingly unrelated words into four interconnected groups, each with a hidden link. Today’s puzzle features a mix of physical actions, clever rearrangements, and nostalgic allusions, offering a playful yet slightly tricky challenge. Below, you’ll find subtle hints to assist your thought process, followed by the complete solutions when you’re ready to verify your answers.
Overview of the NYT Connections Puzzle: January 31, 2026
This edition of the Connections puzzle places a strong emphasis on verb-based thinking and lateral associations. While some groupings may seem obvious, others require recognizing patterns that go beyond mere surface interpretations.
Hints for the NYT Connections Puzzle: January 31, 2026
Category 1:
- Informal gatherings rather than official meetings
- Typically organized to celebrate a special occasion
- Can vary from casual to formal, depending on the context
- Usually associated with invitations and guests
Category 2:
- Items used as tools rather than artistic styles
- All involve applying a surface layer
- Commonly utilized in both creative and practical projects
- Distinguished mainly by their technique and finish
Category 3:
- Characterized by their physical shapes
- Each item splits into two parts
- Familiar silhouettes found in everyday life
- Shared traits are visual rather than functional
Category 4:
- A term with multiple interpretations
- Can refer to time, motion, or transformation
- Used in both technical contexts and everyday language
- Meaning is highly dependent on context
Answers for the NYT Connections Puzzle: January 31, 2026
Below are the answers for each category.
Category 1:
Category 2:
Category 3:
Category 4:
Conclusion & Quick Strategy Tip
The Connections puzzle for January 31, 2026, offers a satisfying mix of straightforward action words and more challenging conceptual links as everything falls into place. A quick strategy tip: prioritize locking in the obvious verb groups early, then analyze the remaining words for structural patterns or shared cultural references.
