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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesNYT Connections puzzle #936 for Friday, January 2, 2026, groups 16 words into four categories: WRITE, SHTICK, BENCHMARK, and VEGETABLES MINUS STARTING LETTER. Start with the spoiler-light hints below, then continue to the answer groups when you’re ready.
Hints for Connections #936
Use these in order. Stop at any point if you want to keep solving without seeing the full groups.
- Think of ways to put information into writing.
- These words can describe a comic or performance act.
- Look for terms meaning a measure, model, or standard of comparison.
- Restore one missing first letter to turn each word into a vegetable.
Today’s Connections word bank
The 16 words are ALE, BAR, BIT, EEK, EXAMPLE, GAG, HIVE, JOT, LOG, METRIC, NOTE, NUMBER, QUASH, RECORD, ROUTINE, and STANDARD.
Today’s Connections answers
Spoilers below: the groups and their explanations are revealed.
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WRITE
- JOT
- LOG
- NOTE
- RECORD
Each can describe writing something down or keeping a written account.
SHTICK
- BIT
- GAG
- NUMBER
- ROUTINE
Each can refer to a comic or performance act.
BENCHMARK
- BAR
- EXAMPLE
- METRIC
- STANDARD
Each can serve as a measure, model, or standard for comparison.
Rank #2
VEGETABLES MINUS STARTING LETTER
- ALE becomes KALE.
- EEK becomes PEEK.
- HIVE becomes CHIVE.
- QUASH becomes SQUASH.
Each answer is a vegetable with its first letter removed.
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The official New York Times Connections game is at nytimes.com/games/connections.
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