Here are spoiler-light hints first, followed by the category names and complete answers for the May 11, 2026 edition of NYT Connections. May 11, 2025 had a different puzzle, so check the year before using the answers.
Hints for May 11, 2026
Connections asks you to sort 16 words into four groups of four based on a shared theme. The categories can overlap in plausible ways, so try the clues before opening the full answers.
- One group is about moving quietly or secretly.
- One names different kinds of schemes.
- One consists of detective films.
- One hides a body part inside each word.
Category names
- Move stealthily, with “in”
- Kinds of schemes
- Detective movies
- Body parts surrounded by two letters
Answers for May 11, 2026
Spoilers below: the complete word groups follow.
- Move stealthily, with “in”: CREEP, SLIP, SNEAK, STEAL
- Kinds of schemes: COLOR, PONZI, PYRAMID, RHYME
- Detective movies: CHINATOWN, KNIVES OUT, SEVEN, VERTIGO
- Body parts surrounded by two letters: ELEGY, KARMA, KEYED, SHANDY
The last group contains leg in ELEGY, arm in KARMA, eye in KEYED, and hand in SHANDY.
How to play and find older puzzles
The New York Times describes Connections as a word game about finding themes among words. Each puzzle has 16 words to divide into four groups of four; yellow is the easiest category and purple the trickiest. The words are curated by editors using the Oxford Dictionary, and a new puzzle becomes available at midnight in the player’s timezone.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →#1 Best Overall
The daily game is free to play on the web and listed NYT apps. Signing in with an NYT account lets players retain progress across devices or platforms. The full archive, which reaches back to June 12, 2023, is available to All Access and Games subscribers.
Quick Recap
Rank #2
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.
