Connections hint today won’t help you spot the magic theme at all, but this one trick will save your streak

The Connections hint today from Mashable isn’t about witchcraft at all, but puzzle solvers expecting a magical theme might find themselves surprised. Today’s NYT Connections puzzle #935 for January 1, 2026 involves sorting 16 words into four distinct categories, and understanding the true themes is key to solving this tricky grid.

Understanding the Connections Game Puzzle Format

The NYT Connections game challenges players to identify common threads between words. Each puzzle presents 16 randomly arranged words, and your task involves selecting groups of four words that share a connection.

Every correct group reveals a color-coded category that explains the theme. The game allows up to four mistakes before ending, making strategy crucial. Unlike other word games that rely solely on spelling, Connections demands pattern recognition and lateral thinking.

Today’s Four Category Themes Explained

Today’s puzzle breaks down into these four distinct groupings. The yellow category focuses on magic-related words with supernatural associations. The green category involves actions you perform on objects with coverings.

The blue category uses a clever suffix to describe enthusiastic people. The purple category requires identifying words sharing a common beginning that relates to a common food item. Each theme requires looking beyond surface-level meanings.

Hints for Solving Today’s Puzzle Without Spoilers

Strategic Tips for Playing Connections Successfully

Start by identifying the most obvious group first, usually the yellow category. Removing words from the board narrows your options and makes remaining connections easier to spot.

Look for wordplay elements and unconventional connections. Pay attention to words that could fit multiple categories—these are the puzzle’s intentional traps. Say words aloud and consider alternative meanings, homophones, and compound word possibilities when you’re stuck.

“Each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple.”

— The New York Times, Official Connections Guide

Why This Puzzle Caught Solvers Off Guard

The mention of “witchcraft” in today’s headline refers to the yellow category about magical concepts. However, the puzzle itself features a clever multi-layered theme where compound words sharing “butter” as a prefix form the purple group.

This misdirection is intentional—the Connections game thrives on subtle wordplay that makes players reconsider familiar words. The real challenge often lies not in knowing word meanings, but in recognizing unexpected connections between seemingly unrelated terms.

Sources

• Mashable – Daily NYT Connections hints and answers guide
• The New York Times Games – Official Connections puzzle database
• CNET – Connections puzzle strategy tips and explanation

Jessica Morrison

Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.