NYT Connections Hints Today, January 9, 2026: Easy Clues To Crack All Groups

NYT Connections For Today, January 9, 2026: NYT Connections is a fun daily word grouping puzzle from The New York Times. Each day players are given a list of 16 words and must sort them into four groups of four, based on shared themes. The game ranges from obvious links to trickier wordplay, making it a great brain-teaser. In this guide, take a look at how to crack NYT Connections for January 9, 2026:

Today's NYT Connections For January 9, 2026, Word List

Here are the words you need to group for January 9, 2026: 

• 3 BALL

• CARDINAL

• HEART EMOJI

• SOLO CUP

• 8 BALL

• DEEP END

• LIMB

• THIN ICE

• 6 MAFIA

• CHAINZ

• DIRECTION

• NON BLONDES

• COUTH

• FORTH

• LEST

• OAST

Today's NYT Connections Hints For January 9, 2026

• Yellow group: Single bold colour.

• Green group: Metaphors for risk or danger.

• Blue group: Think music acts and bands.

• Purple group: Words look like direction words with one letter changed.

Today's NYT Connections Categories For January 9, 2026

• Yellow: Things commonly associated with a strong colour signal.

• Green: Used when describing precarious or risky situations.

• Blue: Musical artists where the starting number is removed.

• Purple: Change the first letter of a direction word to make a real word.

ALSO READ- Is Yapping Good For Your Mental Health? Experts Weigh In

Today's NYT Connections For January 9, 2026 Answers

Below are the correct groups with words:

• Yellow Group: 3 BALL, CARDINAL, HEART EMOJI, SOLO CUP

• Green Group: 8 BALL, DEEP END, LIMB, THIN ICE

• Blue Group: 6 MAFIA, CHAINZ, DIRECTION, NON BLONDES

• Purple Group: COUTH, FORTH, LEST, OAST

ALSO READ- Why Practising Self-Compassion Actually Rewires Your Brain

Easy Tips To Solve NYT Connections For January 9, 2026

Here are some tips to improve your solving:

• Look first for groups with strong, clear themes like colours or common shapes. This gives you confidence and space for trickier sets.

• Some categories rely on metaphor or idioms. Say the words in your head and think how they’re used in everyday language.

• Words that look a bit odd may have lost a number or letter, especially for categories involving names or spelling.

• Take your time with the last group, often it's difficult and relies on a clever twist.

Keep your streak high and all the best !!

For more such stories, stay tuned to HerZindagi. 

Image credit: New York Times and Freepik