NYT Connections Hints Today: Clues & Answers for January 5, 2026
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NYT Connections Hints Today: Clues & Answers for January 5, 2026
Stuck on today’s Connections? You’re in the right spot. The puzzle for January 5, 2026 features some confusing words like ‘FIVE’. Wyna Liu’s grid is full of traps today. We help you navigate the ‘Red Herrings’ and find the solution.
In this guide, we provide spoiler-free hints for the Yellow, Green, Blue, and Purple groups. If you are stuck, you can use our interactive tool above to reveal specific answers without spoiling the whole game. Let’s dive in and save your streak!
Spoiler-Free Hints for Today’s Groups
Before you view the answers, try to solve the puzzle using these thematic clues. We have ranked them from easiest (Yellow) to hardest (Purple).
- Yellow Group Hint: Words related to “THINGS YOU CAN DO ON SOCIAL MEDIA”.
- Green Group Hint: Words related to “FURTHEST POINT”.
- Blue Group Hint: Words related to “ART MOVEMENTS, WITH “-ISM””.
- Purple Group Hint: Words related to “WHAT “V” MIGHT MEAN”.
Today’s Connections Answers (January 5, 2026)
Strategy: How to Win NYT Connections Every Time
Connections is not just about vocabulary; it is about lateral thinking. Here are three expert strategies to improve your win rate:
1. The Shuffle Button is Your Friend
Never trust the default arrangement. The game clusters unrelated words to trick you. Use the Shuffle tool multiple times to clear your mind and see the real groups.
2. Identify the ‘Purple’ Category First
The Purple category is the ‘Trash Can’ category. It contains the 4 words that don’t fit anywhere else. It is often the hardest because it relies on wordplay. If you can identify the 4 weirdest words on the board, solve them first. This clears the board for the easier categories.
3. Beware of the ‘One Away’ Trap
If you get the ‘One Away’ message, stop guessing immediately. You have found 3 correct words and 1 impostor. Look at the 4 words you selected. Which one has a secondary meaning that could fit into another group? That word is likely the impostor. Do not burn your lives guessing blindly.
The Rise of NYT Connections
Since its June 2023 launch, Connections has captivated millions, ranking just behind Wordle. Wyna Liu curates the daily grids, asking players to sort 16 items into 4 distinct sets. It’s a test of associative thinking, distinct from standard knowledge-based puzzles.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When does the Connections puzzle reset?
Connections updates at midnight local time. You can trick the system and play early by changing your phone’s timezone to New Zealand.
2. What do the colors represent in Connections?
Colors represent challenge: Yellow groups are straightforward, Green are medium, Blue are tricky, and Purple are the most difficult (abstract).
3. How many mistakes can I make?
You are allowed four mistakes. After your fourth incorrect guess, the game ends, and the correct answers are revealed automatically.
4. Is there an app for NYT Connections?
Yes, you can play Connections within the official New York Times Games app, available on both iOS and Android. It is also available via any web browser.
5. Can I play past puzzles?
Unlike the Crossword, the NYT app does not maintain a playable archive of past Connections puzzles. However, third-party archive sites (like ours!) maintain a history of hints and answers.
About the Author
Our team of word game experts plays NYT Connections every single morning to provide you with human-verified hints. We don’t use AI solvers; we use logic and lateral thinking to ensure you keep your streak alive.
