The New York Times Connections has rapidly emerged as a global phenomenon, captivating word game enthusiasts with its unique blend of simplicity and complexity. This addictive puzzle game combines the straightforward appeal of popular word challenges like Wordle with the intricate demands of logic and pattern recognition exercises. Connections presents players with a daily intellectual test that requires keen observation and strategic thinking to uncover hidden relationships between seemingly unrelated words.
What Makes NYT Connections So Addictive?
Every day, the game displays sixteen words arranged in a 4x4 grid. The objective is to group these words into four distinct sets based on subtle thematic connections. Unlike traditional word association games, Connections demands more than just vocabulary knowledge—it challenges players to identify clever patterns and classifications that range from obvious to ingeniously obscure. The game's accessibility through both desktop computers and mobile devices, coupled with its free-to-play model, has contributed significantly to its widespread popularity. Many players have incorporated Connections into their daily routines, finding both pleasure and intellectual satisfaction in solving each puzzle.
Today's Connections Puzzle: January 31, 2026
Puzzle number 965, released on January 31, 2026, offers an ideal balance between challenge and enjoyment. This edition tests players' mental dexterity and knowledge while engaging their analytical and lateral thinking skills. The global following of Connections continues to grow, thanks to its clever gameplay that transforms word gaming into a daily intellectual exercise.
Strategic Hints for Today's Puzzle
To assist players without spoiling the solution, here are strategic hints for the January 31, 2026 puzzle:
- YELLOW: Types of event
- GREEN: Tools for decoration
- BLUE: Unified by an outline of a letter
- PURPLE: Think of a word that rhymes with “lift”
These clues guide players toward recognizing patterns, encouraging logical deduction and strategic grouping while preserving the puzzle's inherent challenge.
Today's Connection Categories
Here are the four connection categories for the NYT Connections puzzle on January 31, 2026:
- YELLOW: Kinds of parties
- GREEN: Ways to apply paint
- BLUE: Y-shaped things
- PURPLE: What "shift" might refer to
Complete Answers for Puzzle #965
Below are the correct groupings for today's Connections puzzle:
- YELLOW: Kinds of Parties – Ball, Mixer, Reception, Shower
- GREEN: Ways to Apply Paint – Brush, Palette Knife, Roller, Spray Can
- BLUE: Y-Shaped Things – Slingshot, Stethoscope, Tuning Fork, Wishbone
- PURPLE: What "Shift" Might Refer To – Computer Key, Dress, Fluctuation, Work Period
Connections continues to redefine word gaming by offering a daily challenge that combines entertainment with cognitive exercise, making it a favorite among puzzle lovers worldwide.
