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Need a nudge before the spoilers? Here are graduated hints for NYT Connections game #956, followed by the full solution for Thursday, January 22, 2026.
Hints for Connections #956
Try the clues below before reading the category names or word groups.
- Easy to see.
- An after-dinner sweet treat.
- Whoops!
- Periodical titles, with a twist.
What are the answers for today’s NYT Connections?
Spoilers ahead: The 16 words split into four groups of four.
Yellow: Well-defined, as an image
CLEAR, CRISP, DISTINCT, SHARP.
Green: Fruit desserts
COBBLER, CRUMBLE, STRUDEL, TURNOVER.
Blue: Bungle
FLUFF, FUMBLE, MISS, TRIP.
Purple: Magazines plus a letter
ELLEN, SPINY, TIMER, USE. Each is a magazine title altered by adding a letter.
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How Connections works
Connections presents 16 words and asks players to sort them into four groups of four based on shared themes. The groups are color-coded by difficulty: yellow is easiest and purple is trickiest. The NYT Help Center’s Connections guide explains the rules and current play options.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Playing the puzzle or finding it in the archive
The New York Times says a new daily puzzle releases at midnight in the player’s timezone and can be played on the NYT Games website and apps. Its archive extends back to June 12, 2023, and archive access is limited to All Access and Games subscribers. Archive play can affect some statistics, but not streaks; streaks count puzzles played on their release day. Check the official Help Center for current access terms.
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