Today’s NYT Connections Hints & Solution for January 9, 2026 (Game #998)

Searching for NYT Connections hints today? If today’s grid (January 9, 2026) has you stumped with words like ‘COUTH’, our detailed breakdown will help you find the categories and keep your streak alive.

Spoiler-Free Hints for Today

• Yellow Group Hint: Words related to “THINGS THAT ARE RED”.

• Green Group Hint: Words related to “USED IN METAPHORS FOR PRECARIOUS SITUATIONS”.

• Blue Group Hint: Words related to “MUSICAL ARTISTS MINUS STARTING NUMBERS”.

• Purple Group Hint: Words related to “CARDINAL DIRECTIONS WITH FIRST LETTER CHANGED”.

Today’s Connections Answers

Mastering the NYT Connections

1. Use the Shuffle Button

Avoid the editor’s traps by shuffling the board to see new patterns.

2. Look for the Purple Group

Purple usually involves wordplay. Find these abstract links early to save guesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When does the Connections puzzle reset?

The puzzle refreshes daily at midnight local time based on your timezone.

2. What do the different colors mean?

Yellow is the easiest, followed by Green (Medium), Blue (Hard), and Purple (Tricky/Abstract).

3. How many mistakes can I make?

You have four lives. The game ends after your fourth incorrect guess.

4. Is there an official archive for past games?

The NYT app doesn’t have an archive, but sites like ours maintain a history of puzzles.

5. Can I play Connections on mobile?

Yes, it’s available via the NYT Games app on both iOS and Android platforms.