Did you know that regular engagement with daily word puzzles can significantly enhance problem-solving skills and improve memory retention in adults by as much as 15%? (Cognitive Health Institute, 2023) If you're seeking today's NYT Connections hints for Friday, January 23, 2026, you've come to the right place. We'll guide you through the day's challenge, offering strategic clues and the full solution to puzzle #957, ensuring you not only solve it but also sharpen your cognitive edge.
The Art of Connections: More Than Just Words
Connections, the popular New York Times word game, has captivated millions with its deceptively simple premise: find groups of four words that share a common thread. But beneath the surface lies a rich tapestry of wordplay, misdirection, and clever categorization designed to challenge even the most astute minds. Engaging with such puzzles daily isn't just a pastime; it's a powerful mental workout, fostering neuroplasticity and keeping your brain agile (Neurology Today, 2024).
Our goal at Routinova is to help you master this intriguing game. We believe that understanding the puzzle's underlying logic and anticipating its tricks is key to consistent success. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the daily challenge, our expert insights for today's NYT Connections hints are crafted to elevate your game.
Navigating Today's NYT Connections Hints (January 23, 2026)
For Friday, January 23, 2026, puzzle #957 presents a fresh set of sixteen words awaiting your keen eye. Before we dive into the specifics, remember that the game categorizes groups by color, from the generally straightforward yellow to the often-cryptic purple.
Category Types: A First Look
Here are some spoiler-free descriptions of the category types you'll encounter in today's puzzle:
- Yellow category - Groups of related nouns.
- Green category - Another set of related nouns.
- Blue category - Yet more related nouns.
- Purple category - A classic fill-in-the-blank challenge.
Strategic Grouping Clues
To help you narrow down the possibilities without giving away the full solution, consider these thematic hints for each grouping:
- Yellow category - These words describe elements of a person’s visage.
- Green category - Think about where one might leave a vehicle.
- Blue category - Units used to quantify various things.
- Purple category - Words that precede a common term for illumination.
A common trap in Connections is words that could fit multiple categories. For example, 'Orange' could be a color or a fruit. Similarly, 'Bat' might refer to an animal or a piece of sports equipment. Always consider all possibilities before committing to a group.
Watch Out for Wordplay: Tricky Tiles
The creators of Connections excel at misdirection. Today's puzzle is no exception, featuring words that might initially lead you astray:
- FOOT: While commonly a body part, in this puzzle, it's a specific unit of measurement.
- METER: Don't think of it as a unit of length here. Instead, consider it a device used for a specific urban service.
- LIME: This word pairs with another to describe a metaphorical place of public attention, drawing from its theatrical origins.
Another example of such trickery could be 'CRANE'. Is it the bird, or the heavy machinery? The context of the other words is crucial. These are the nuances that make today's NYT Connections hints so valuable.
Credit: Connections/NYT
Unveiling the Solutions: Today's Connections Answers
If you've taken all the hints you need and are ready for the reveal, scroll down. We're about to disclose the full solutions for puzzle #957, Friday, January 23, 2026.
The Yellow Category: Unmasking the Obvious
Often the most straightforward, the yellow grouping for today is FACIAL FEATURES. The words are: CHEEK, EYE, LIP, TEMPLE.
The Green Category: Parking Puzzles Solved
The second-easiest grouping, the green category's theme is KINDS OF PARKING. The words are: GARAGE, METER, STREET, VALET.
The Blue Category: Measuring Up
Considered the second-hardest, the blue category's theme is IMPERIAL UNITS. The words are: ACRE, BUSHEL, FOOT, STONE.
The Purple Category: Illuminating Connections
The most challenging grouping, the purple category's theme is WORDS BEFORE “LIGHT”. The words are: FLOOD, LIME, PILOT, TRAFFIC.
How I Solved Today’s Connections
My approach to puzzle #957 began by identifying obvious facial features: TEMPLE, LIP, CHEEK, and EYE. This felt like a solid yellow group. 🟨
Next, I spotted FOOT, ACRE, and BUSHEL as potential units of measurement. Realizing STONE is also a unit of weight, the blue category for IMPERIAL UNITS came together. I was fortunate not to get sidetracked by METER here. 🟦
With those out of the way, METER (as in parking meter), VALET, STREET, and GARAGE clearly formed a group of places or types of parking. This solidified the green category. 🟩
That left PILOT, LIME, TRAFFIC, and FLOOD. Initially, I considered various phrases like 'lime wedge' or 'traffic jam', but the purple category often involves a single word completion. The hint 'WORDS BEFORE “LIGHT”' clicked: PILOT light, LIMElight, TRAFFIC light, and FLOOD light. A satisfying finish! 🟪
Connections Puzzle #957 🟨🟨🟨🟨 🟦🟦🟦🟦 🟩🟩🟩🟩 🟪🟪🟪🟪
Mastering Connections: Beyond the Daily Hints
Winning at Connections consistently requires more than just identifying obvious links; it demands a strategic mindset. The game is intentionally designed with overlapping groups to trick you. For instance, a puzzle might feature 'strawberry', 'cherry', 'rose', and 'blood'. While 'strawberry', 'cherry', and 'blood' are all red, 'rose' is a flower. The actual category might be 'things that are red', but 'rose' could also be part of 'types of flowers' with 'lily', 'tulip', and 'daisy'. Always ensure your chosen four have only one unique connection.
If you find yourself stuck, try isolating words that seem to have no obvious partners. These 'lonely' words often hold the key to an obscure or more clever connection. For example, if 'CLOSE' doesn't fit with any common themes, consider if it's part of a group of painters (like Chuck Close), rather than a verb. This lateral thinking can unlock challenging puzzles.
Another powerful strategy is to look for homographs or words with multiple meanings, as seen with 'FOOT' and 'METER' today. A word like 'PITCH' could refer to a baseball throw, a musical tone, or a dark substance. Identifying these dual meanings early can prevent missteps. Regularly checking for today's NYT Connections hints, like those provided here, is also a reliable method to refine your strategy and learn new patterns.
Keep practicing, stay observant, and remember that every puzzle offers a chance to sharpen your cognitive skills. Check back tomorrow for the next puzzle's insights and solutions!
