The New York Times’ daily word game, Connections, has rapidly become a global sensation, captivating puzzle enthusiasts with its unique blend of logic and linguistic prowess. For January 17, 2026, players are once again challenged to uncover the hidden relationships between words. Whether you’re a seasoned Connections veteran or a curious newcomer, this guide offers everything you need to conquer today’s grid, from strategic clues to the full solutions.
What is NYT Connections?
Connections, a brainchild of associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu, is the latest digital darling from the New York Times Games section, available on both web browsers and mobile devices. The premise is elegantly simple yet deceptively complex: players are presented with a grid of 16 words and must identify four groups of four words that share a common thread. These connections can range from book titles and software to country names or even abstract concepts.
The challenge lies in the subtle misdirections; many words may seem to fit into multiple categories, but only one correct grouping exists. Successfully identifying a group removes those words from the board. Players are allotted up to four mistakes before the game concludes. To aid in discovery, players can shuffle the board, and categories are color-coded by difficulty: yellow (easiest), green, blue, and purple (most challenging). Like its popular sibling, Wordle, Connections allows players to share their triumphs on social media, fostering a vibrant community of solvers.
Navigating Today’s Puzzle: January 17, 2026
Today’s Connections puzzle, identified as #951, offers a delightful mental workout. If you’re aiming to solve it independently but need a gentle nudge, we’ve prepared some insightful hints to guide your thought process without giving everything away.
Subtle Clues for Today’s Categories
Consider these thematic prompts to help you discern the commonalities:
- Yellow: To envelop or cover entirely.
- Green: To propel with force.
- Blue: Words formed by rearranging letters.
- Purple: Phrases often heard at the beginning of children’s games.
Revealing the Categories for January 17, 2026
For those seeking a more direct path, today’s Connections categories are:
- Yellow: Spread Over
- Green: Throw
- Blue: Anagrams
- Purple: First Words of Kids’ Games
The Moment of Truth: Today’s Connections Solutions
If you’ve wrestled with the grid and are ready to see if your deductions were correct, or if you simply wish to know the answers, the wait is over. Here are the complete solutions for NYT Connections #951 on January 17, 2026.
Connections #951 Answers:
- Spread Over: BLANKET, COAT, COVER, PLASTER
- Throw: CAST, HURL, PELT, SLING
- Anagrams: INKS, KINS, SINK, SKIN
- First Words of Kids’ Games: CAPTURE, HIDE, RED, SIMON
Don’t be disheartened if this puzzle proved particularly challenging! Each day brings a fresh opportunity to sharpen your word-grouping skills. The world of NYT Games is vast and varied; if you’re looking for more brain-teasers, explore other popular titles like Wordle, NYT Pips, and the recently launched Strands. Mashable’s dedicated games hub also offers a plethora of options, including Mahjong, Sudoku, and free crosswords, ensuring your puzzle cravings are always satisfied.
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