NYT Connections today’s hints and answers (#946) for 12 January 2026

Connections by The New York Times has fast become an addiction for word game lovers around the world. Taking the addictive simplicity of games like Wordle and marrying it with the complexity of both logic and pattern recognition puzzles, Connections challenges gamers to find the subtle links between evidently random words. Day in and day out, 16 words are lined up every day in a 4x4 grid; the task is to group them into four sets based on hidden themes. Today's Connections puzzle, number 946, is from January 12, 2026. Players will find it an ideal balance between challenge and fun, testing knowledge and mental dexterity. Connections has gained a global following for its clever gameplay and ability to engage players in their analytical and lateral thinking skills, making it a daily intellectual exercise.Connections is more than a word association game. The game tests one's ability to recognise connections among words. The connections can range from very obvious classifications to very smart connections. Unlike other word games, one requires observation and strategy in order to win at Connections. The game can easily be accessed via desktop computers and mobile devices, and it's free, all of which contributes to its immense popularity. Players go on to add it to their daily routine and take pleasure in it as well as the satisfaction that comes with completing each puzzle.To help players without revealing the solution, here are some strategies for January 12, 2026:These hints guide players toward recognising patterns, encouraging logical deduction and strategic grouping without removing the challenge entirely.Here are the connection categories available today in the NYT Connections puzzle:Below are the four correct groups for today’s puzzle