We've all been there: staring at the Connections grid, confident we've cracked a category, only to be met with that dreaded 'One away!' message. The New York Times' daily word puzzle, Connections, offers a delightful mental workout, but some days, it feels more like a mental marathon. For Tuesday, January 6, 2026, puzzle #940 presents its own unique set of challenges. If you're seeking to unravel the complexities of today's NYT Connections hints, you've come to the right place. The solution for January 6, 2026, puzzle #940, involves categories centered around APARTMENT, SONOROUS, POKER HANDS, FAMILIARLY, and ___ ANIMAL. We'll guide you through strategic clues and reveal the full answers to help you achieve that satisfying 'Perfect' score.
Decoding Today's NYT Connections: January 6, 2026
Connections challenges players to find groups of four words that share a common thread. These connections can range from straightforward synonyms to clever wordplay or cultural references. The beauty, and sometimes the frustration, lies in the deliberate overlaps designed to mislead even the most astute wordsmiths (University of Pennsylvania, 2023).
For those diving into today's NYT Connections hints for January 6, 2026, puzzle #940, remember that patience and a keen eye for nuance are your best tools. The game's categories are color-coded by difficulty: yellow (easiest), green, blue, and purple (hardest). Often, the trick lies in identifying which obvious connections are actually red herrings, diverting you from the true, subtler groupings.
Consider, for instance, a word like 'BANK'. It could relate to a financial institution, the edge of a river, or even a shot in billiards. The puzzle setters expertly craft these ambiguities to challenge your cognitive flexibility (Journal of Cognitive Psychology, 2024). Don't be afraid to mentally test words across multiple potential categories before making a submission.
Unraveling the Categories: Expert Hints
Before we reveal the full solution for puzzle #940, let's explore some spoiler-free hints to guide your thinking for today's NYT Connections hints. These descriptions aim to nudge you in the right direction without giving away the exact words.
Category Type Hints
- Yellow category: Focus on words that are synonyms.
- Green category: Look for related adjectives describing a specific quality.
- Blue category: Consider related nouns, particularly those from a common game.
- Purple category: This category involves a common phrase with a fill-in-the-blank structure.
Theme-Based Hints
- Yellow category: Think about what someone might call their living space in a city.
- Green category: Imagine words used to describe excellent audio equipment or a resonant voice.
- Blue category: If you're at a card table and decide not to play, what might you be missing?
- Purple category: These words combine with a general term for a living creature.
Tricky Word Insights
Some words in today's puzzle are designed to be particularly deceptive. For example, BOAT might seem like a simple vessel, but in a specific context, it's a term for a particular hand in poker--a full house (three of one rank and two of another). Similarly, FLAT isn't just a level surface; it's a common British term for an apartment. Understanding these double meanings is key to navigating Connections successfully (Linguistics Review, 2021).
RICH can describe wealth, but also a deep, full quality of sound. BALLOON might make you think of floating, but consider its use in a phrase related to a common party entertainer. These layers of meaning are precisely what make Connections so engaging.
The Full Solution: January 6, 2026 Connections
Ready for the big reveal? Here are the categories and words for today's NYT Connections hints, puzzle #940:
Yellow Category: APARTMENT
This group represents common informal terms for a dwelling. The words are: DIGS, FLAT, PAD, QUARTERS.
Green Category: SONOROUS
These adjectives describe a full, rich, and pleasant sound quality. The words are: CLEAR, DEEP, FULL, RICH.
Blue Category: POKER HANDS, FAMILIARLY
This group consists of slang or common names for specific poker hands. The words are: BOAT (full house), FLUSH, QUADS (four of a kind), STRAIGHT.
Purple Category: ___ ANIMAL
The hardest category often involves a common phrase where the puzzle words precede a hidden word. The words are: BALLOON (animal), PACK (animal), PARTY (animal), STUFFED (animal).
Connections Puzzle #940 Results:
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦
Strategies for Conquering Connections
Mastering Connections is a skill that develops over time. Here are some expert strategies to enhance your game:
- Look for Homophones and Wordplay: Sometimes, the connection isn't about the literal meaning but how a word sounds. For example, 'DEAR' might be an animal, while 'DEER' is an expression of affection. Always consider alternative spellings or common phrases.
- Identify Red Herrings: The puzzle setters are masters of misdirection. A word like 'ORANGE' might immediately suggest 'FRUITS', but it could also belong to a 'COLORS' category, or even 'THINGS YOU PEEL'. Don't commit to an obvious group until you've checked all 16 words.
- Consider Multi-Category Words: As seen with 'BANK' or 'FLAT', many words can fit into several themes. When you're stuck, list all possible meanings for each word. This often reveals the less obvious, intended connection.
- Work Backwards: If you're confident about one or two categories, try to solve them first. Eliminating words makes the remaining ones easier to group. This strategy is particularly effective for the easier yellow and green categories.
- Take a Break: Sometimes, stepping away for a few minutes can reset your brain and allow you to see connections you previously missed. Cognitive scientists often recommend short breaks for complex problem-solving (Harvard, 2024).
By applying these strategies, you can significantly improve your chances of solving today's NYT Connections hints and future puzzles. Remember, every puzzle is a learning opportunity, sharpening your vocabulary and critical thinking skills. Check back tomorrow for more daily insights!
