Issue #945 Sun 11 Jan
NYT Connections Hints & Answer — January 11, 2026
A grid that balances straightforward associations with a few overlaps that require a second look. Expect a measured pace as the categories reveal themselves.
yellow group 7 hints
Yellow group hints
The matching jerseys on the field and the logistics crew loading the stage gear after a long set.
Collective nouns
Synonyms for a unified group of people
Members are 4 letters each; first letters B, C, P, T.
GROUP
One is BAND.
BAND · CREW · PACK · TEAM
green group 7 hints
Green group hints
The graph on the monitor showing a rapid loss of value or the sudden dip in a roller coaster track.
Downward trajectory
Verbs or nouns associated with a sharp decline
Members are 4–6 letters; first letters C, D, T.
PLUNGE
One is CRASH.
CRASH · CRATER · DROP · TANK
blue group 7 hints
Blue group hints
You turn the handle, the water swirls, and the pipes hum as the metal basin clears.
Plumbing fixtures
Functional components of a standard bathroom setup
Members are 5–7 letters; first letters B, D, F, S.
PARTS OF A SINK
One is BASIN.
BASIN · DRAIN · FAUCET · STOPPER
violet group 7 hints
Violet group hints
The rhythmic clip-clop of hooves on dirt and the leather scent lingering in the barn.
Horseback riding equipment
Specific items used for mounting and controlling a horse
Members are 3–6 letters; first letters B, C, H, S.
EQUESTRIAN GEAR
One is BIT.
BIT · CROP · HALTER · SADDLE
Spoiler zone
Complete Connections answer
Open only the solution you want to see. Each answer stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
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Reveal the yellow group
GROUPBAND · CREW · PACK · TEAM
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Reveal the green group
PLUNGECRASH · CRATER · DROP · TANK
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Reveal the blue group
PARTS OF A SINKBASIN · DRAIN · FAUCET · STOPPER
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Reveal the violet group
EQUESTRIAN GEARBIT · CROP · HALTER · SADDLE
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Connections on January 11, 2026. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Connections answer for January 11, 2026, or browse every Connections puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Connections on January 11, 2026?
NYT Connections on January 11, 2026 rates 3 out of 4 on our difficulty scale — a tougher-than-average puzzle. As always you sort sixteen words into four colour-coded groups, and our hints tease what links each group without ever naming the words.
What's a spoiler-free hint for NYT Connections on January 11, 2026?
The hint ladder above starts with a one-line vibe for each of the four groups, then adds the connecting idea, then the wording of each category. You climb only as far as you need, and no grouped words are shown until the final reveal.
How many groups are in NYT Connections #945?
Four groups of four, ordered from the gentlest to the trickiest. For the categories and the sixteen words themselves, open the answer section on this page — the hints here keep them hidden.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 4 groups · 16 words
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 4 groups · 16 words