Issue #1227 Tue 20 Oct
NYT Connections Hints & Answer — October 20, 2026
Today's grid offers a balanced tempo for those who prefer their wordplay with a side of classic deduction. Expect a few light misdirections before the logic locks into place.
yellow group 7 hints
Yellow group hints
The theater usher signaling the final row, a book page turning, or the last light fading in a room.
Action verbs
Verb synonyms
Members are 3–5 letters; first letters C, E, S, W.
FINISH
One is CLOSE.
CLOSE · END · STOP · WRAP
green group 7 hints
Green group hints
A shadow cast by a larger figure, always waiting in the wings to carry out the heavy lifting.
Subordinate roles
Synonyms
Members are 6 letters each; first letters M, P, S.
LACKEY
One is MINION.
MINION · POODLE · PUPPET · STOOGE
blue group 7 hints
Blue group hints
The distinct shape above a lip, whether meticulously groomed or left to grow wild for a costume party.
Facial hair styles
Examples of one named set
Members are 6–9 letters; first letters C, H, P, W.
MUSTACHES
One is CHEVRON.
CHEVRON · HORSESHOE · PENCIL · WALRUS
violet group 7 hints
Violet group hints
A list of names that sound like they belong in a cartoon but are really just everyday nouns.
Phonetic wordplay
Homophones of a single set
Members are 4–5 letters; first letters A, B, D, M.
HOMOPHONES OF DISNEY CHARACTERS
One is ARIAL.
ARIAL · BELL · DOCK · MINI
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
FINISHCLOSE · END · STOP · WRAP
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Reveal the green group
LACKEYMINION · POODLE · PUPPET · STOOGE
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Reveal the blue group
MUSTACHESCHEVRON · HORSESHOE · PENCIL · WALRUS
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Reveal the violet group
HOMOPHONES OF DISNEY CHARACTERSARIAL · BELL · DOCK · MINI
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Connections on October 20, 2026. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Connections answer for October 20, 2026, or browse every Connections puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Connections on October 20, 2026?
NYT Connections on October 20, 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 October 20, 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 #1227?
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