At a Glance
- NYT Connections puzzle released Jan 2 2026.
- Four groups: yellow (write), green (shtick), blue (benchmark), purple (vegetables minus first letter).
- Full answers include jot, log, note, record; bit, gag, number, routine; bar, example, metric, standard; ale, eek, hive, quash.
- Why it matters: Fans can test their word-play skills and see how the puzzle’s themes twist common words.
The New York Times’ daily Connections puzzle, which challenges solvers to find hidden links between words, posted its Jan 2 2026 edition with a set of clever hints and answers that revealed a playful twist on everyday vocabulary.
Puzzle Overview
The puzzle features four color-coded groups, each tied to a distinct theme. Solvers are given hints that point to the underlying concept for each group.

Group Themes and Answers
| Group | Theme | Answers |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | Write | jot, log, note, record |
| Green | Shtick | bit, gag, number, routine |
| Blue | Benchmark | bar, example, metric, standard |
| Purple | Vegetables minus first letter | ale, eek, hive, quash |
Hints Explained
- Yellow group hint: Get me a pen.
- Green group hint: Hokey.
- Blue group hint: This is a level to meet.
- Purple group hint: Garden produce, with a twist.
Key Takeaways
- The puzzle’s answer set demonstrates creative word manipulation.
- Themes range from simple verbs to playful vegetable transformations.
- Solvers can use the released answers to revisit the challenge or test new editions.
With the puzzle’s solutions now public, enthusiasts can revisit the challenge or try new editions for fresh word-play fun.

