NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 2, 2026
Connections is a New York Times word game that's all about finding the "common threads between words." How to solve the puzzle.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're an old soul.
Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableWhat is Connections?
The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for July 2, 2026Here's a hint for today's Connections categories
Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Imitators
Green: Old English
Blue: AKA
Purple: Where to watch the game
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Here are today's Connections categories
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: They impersonate other things
Green: Old-timey names for things we still use
Blue: Starting with nicknames
Purple: Starting with sports venues
Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.
Drumroll, please!
The solution to today's Connections #1117 is...
What is the answer to Connections today
They impersonate other things: COPYCAT, MIME, MOCKINGBIRD, T-1000
Old-timey names for things we still use: LOOKING GLASS, SPECTACLES, TALKIE, WATER CLOSET
Starting with nicknames: BILLY GOAT, DAN DAN NOODLES, RICH TEXT, TOM-TOM
Starting with sports venues: COIRT JESTER, DIAMOND RING, FIELD MOUSE, TRACK RECORD
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 2, 2026Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.