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This is the archived NYT Connections puzzle for Sunday, January 11, 2026, game #945—not the current daily puzzle. Start with the category hints below and open the answer section only if you want the full solution.
Hints for Connections #945
The puzzle has 16 words to sort into four groups of four. These hints move from broad category nudges to more direct prompts.
Category-level hints
- Yellow: Collection
- Green: Dive
- Blue: Sanitary fittings
- Purple: Used while horse-riding
More direct prompts
- Think of an entourage.
- Think of something like skydiving.
- Think of where you wash dishes.
- Think of equipment for Seabiscuit.
The 16 words
HALTER, DRAIN, BIT, DROP, CROP, PACK, TANK, CREW, BASIN, CRATER, STOPPER, BAND, CRASH, SADDLE, TEAM, FAUCET.
Spoiler warning: full answers below
The following section gives all four categories and their words.
Yellow: GROUP
BAND, CREW, PACK, TEAM
Green: PLUNGE
CRASH, CRATER, DROP, TANK
Blue: PARTS OF A SINK
BASIN, DRAIN, FAUCET, STOPPER
Purple: EQUESTRIAN GEAR
BIT, CROP, HALTER, SADDLE
Why a few words can mislead
Some words appear to fit plausible alternative patterns. HALTER, CROP, CREW, and BAND may suggest types of clothing; DROP, PACK, TEAM, and CREW may suggest words that follow “back.” Those are tempting associations rather than the intended groupings. The horse-riding answers are BIT, a mouthpiece used with a bridle; CROP, a short riding whip; HALTER, headgear used to lead or handle a horse; and SADDLE, the seat placed on a horse’s back.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.About the game
Connections asks players to group 16 words by shared category. TechRadar’s guide describes it as playable for free through NYT Games on desktop or mobile; availability and access terms can change. This archived solution is corroborated by guides from TechRadar, Parade, and Technobezz; an accessible official NYT solution page for this archived puzzle was not available in those sources.
Quick Recap
Rank #2
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