NYT Connections Hints Today: Clues & Answers for January 10, 2026 (#999)

Are you staring at the NYT Connections grid today and feeling like the words are dancing around without a rhythm? You aren’t alone. Today’s puzzle (#999) for January 10, 2026 is a masterful example of linguistic misdirection, designed by the New York Times editors to challenge even the most seasoned word game enthusiasts. Connections is more than just a game of synonyms; it’s a test of lateral thinking, vocabulary depth, and patience.

The Challenge of NYT Connections

Unlike Wordle, where the logic is purely deductive based on letter placement, Connections requires you to find the ‘hidden thread’ between 16 disparate words. Today’s grid features several ‘red herrings’—words that seem to fit perfectly into one category but actually belong to another. Our expert analysis of the January 10, 2026 board shows that the difficulty curve is slightly higher than usual, especially within the Blue and Purple groups.

Interactive Hints & Solutions

We recommend solving the groups in order of difficulty. If you are stuck, use our interactive reveal boxes below to see the theme and the words for each group. Tap the button once you are ready to see the answer.

Connections Strategy: How to Beat the Grid

To master NYT Connections, you must adopt the ‘5-Word Rule’. If you find five words that seem to fit a category, do not submit them. This is a deliberate trap set by the constructor. One of those words is a pivot word that belongs to a different, more complex group. Today’s puzzle #999 uses this exact tactic to drain your lives early.

The Importance of the Purple Group

The Purple group is notoriously difficult because it often ignores the meaning of the word entirely. Instead, it might focus on how the word is spelled, a common prefix, or a homophone. If you can identify the Purple theme early, the rest of the grid usually falls into place through simple elimination.

The Evolution of NYT Games

Since its launch in mid-2023, Connections has quickly become a staple of the morning routine for millions. Edited by Wyna Liu, the game has evolved from a simple beta project into a cultural phenomenon. It provides the perfect mental ‘warm-up’ alongside Wordle and The Mini Crossword, helping players improve their cognitive flexibility and linguistic reach.

NYT Connections FAQ

1. What time does Connections update?

The puzzle refreshes daily at 12:00 AM (midnight) according to your local time zone. If you are using the NYT Games app, you can often see a countdown timer for the next release.

2. Can I play past Connections puzzles?

Currently, the official NYT website does not offer a free public archive of every past game. However, dedicated fans and sites like ours maintain records of past solutions for those looking to practice.

3. What do the color codes mean?

Yellow is the most straightforward (synonyms). Green is slightly more conceptual. Blue usually involves specific knowledge or sets. Purple is the most abstract and often uses wordplay.

4. Is today’s Connections harder than yesterday?

Difficulty is subjective, but today’s puzzle (#999) has been rated by our community as a ‘Moderate-Hard’ grid due to the overlapping themes in the Blue category.

5. Who is Wyna Liu?

Wyna Liu is the lead editor of Connections at The New York Times. Her background in jewelry design and art often influences the creative and thematic groupings found in the daily grids.