The popular word puzzle NYT Connections continues to captivate a global audience, offering a daily mental workout that blends the simplicity of Wordle with deeper layers of logic. The puzzle for January 04, 2026, game number 938, presented another engaging challenge for enthusiasts seeking to test their intellect and problem-solving abilities.
What Is The NYT Connections Game?
Created by The New York Times, Connections is a word association game that stands out for its demand on a player's analytical and logical thinking. Unlike standard word games, it requires identifying often subtle and abstract links between words. Players are presented with a grid of 16 seemingly random words and must sort them into four secret groups of four based on a common theme. The game is freely accessible on both desktop and mobile devices, and its compelling mechanics have made it a part of many people's daily routines.
Hints and Strategies for January 04 Puzzle
For those tackling puzzle #938 on January 4, 2026, strategic hints were available to guide without giving away the solutions. These hints pointed players toward the general themes of each colour-coded category:
- YELLOW: Publishing
- GREEN: Coil
- BLUE: Defense
- PURPLE: Extra bum words
These clues were designed to encourage logical deduction and pattern recognition, helping players narrow down possibilities while preserving the core challenge of the game.
Today's Categories and Full Revealed Answers
The four connection categories for the January 04, 2026, edition of NYT Connections have been solved. Below are the specific themes and the correct word groupings that players were tasked with finding.
Solved Puzzle Groups for Game #938
YELLOW Category: PAPER PUBLICATION
The words connected to this theme were: COPY, EDITION, ISSUE, PRINT.
GREEN Category: SPOOL
This group included the words: COIL, CRANK, REEL, WIND.
BLUE Category: THINGS A DEFENSIVE FOOTBALL PLAYER DOES
The related action words were: BLITZ, BLOCK, SACK, TACKLE.
PURPLE Category: SYNONYMS FOR BUTT PLUS STARTING LETTER
This was the trickiest category, requiring lateral thinking. The answers were: DREAR (Derriere + R), ETAIL (End + Tail), GRUMP (Gluteus Maximus + Rump), SCAN (Sit-upon + Can).
Frequently Asked Questions About NYT Connections
How do you play NYT Connections?
Players must examine 16 words in a 4x4 grid and group them into four sets of four based on a hidden common connection.
Are hints available in the game?
Yes, the game provides subtle colour-coded hints (like those above) to assist players without spoiling the puzzle.
Is NYT Connections free to play?
Absolutely. The game is completely free to play on any device via web browser or the New York Times Games app.
What skills does this puzzle help improve?
Regular play enhances pattern recognition, logical reasoning, lateral thinking, and general problem-solving abilities.
The game's enduring appeal lies in its perfect balance of knowledge and intellect, offering a fresh, stimulating challenge every day for its international following.
