Spoilers ahead: the January 12, 2026, NYT Connections puzzle (#946) groups its 16 words into living room furniture, experience levels, promise-related terms, and words ending in U.S. coin names.
Hints for Connections #946
- Yellow: Think of items you might find in a living room.
- Green: These words describe different levels of skill or experience.
- Blue: Each word can refer to a promise or an understanding between people.
- Purple: Look at the end of each word for the name of a U.S. coin.
What words were in the January 12 grid?
The 16 entries were HANDSHAKE, COMPACT, ARMCHAIR, EXPERT, CONSOLE, HEADQUARTER, NOVICE, FOOTSTOOL, UNDERSTANDING, PUMPERNICKEL, PROFICIENT, AGREEMENT, CEFTAZIDIME, INTERMEDIATE, BOOKCASE, and MONEYPENNY.
NYT Connections answers for Monday, January 12
| Color | Category | Words |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | Living room furniture | ARMCHAIR, BOOKCASE, CONSOLE, FOOTSTOOL |
| Green | Experience levels | EXPERT, INTERMEDIATE, NOVICE, PROFICIENT |
| Blue | Promise | AGREEMENT, COMPACT, HANDSHAKE, UNDERSTANDING |
| Purple | Ending in U.S. coins | CEFTAZIDIME, HEADQUARTER, MONEYPENNY, PUMPERNICKEL |
Why the purple group fits
The trick is to focus on each word’s ending rather than its overall meaning: CEFTAZIDIME ends in “dime,” HEADQUARTER in “quarter,” MONEYPENNY in “penny,” and PUMPERNICKEL in “nickel.” The other sets are more direct: furniture, experience levels, and words associated with making a promise.
Where to play Connections
Connections is a daily New York Times word game in which players sort 16 entries into four groups of four. The game is available through the NYT Games page and the Games app. Forbes describes the archive as available to All Access or Games subscribers; check the current NYT Games page for up-to-date access terms.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
#1 Best Overall
- Peaceful Words That Feed Your Soul: ZICOTO’s large print word search books for adults features 70 puzzles filled with themes of gratitude, peace, gentleness & strength — a calming word search that turns quiet moments into something truly restorative & uplifting for your well-being
- Crystal Clear & Effortlessly Readable: Every word find puzzle book is printed with a clean, spacious layout; easy to read whether you're relaxing at home, waiting at an appointment or traveling — a word search books for adults large print edition that's a joy to use
- Thoughtfully Designed For Comfort: The spiral binding lays perfectly flat on any surface while rounded corners feel smooth in your hands; this puzzles book makes it easy to settle in and enjoy with mindfulness— words are hidden horizontally, vertically, diagonally & in reverse with all answers included
- A Gift They'll Actually Love: Whether it's for mom, dad or a friend who deserves a little downtime, the word search book for adults in large print and with gentle, mindful guiding language brings joy, mental stimulation & peaceful entertainment to anyone who opens it
- Looks As Lovely As It Feels: With its elegant matte cover, soft color palette & beautifully organized layout, the 9.1x7.5 inch puzzles book is a stylish companion for any nightstand or coffee table; with calming, minimalist pages and gentle puzzles that promote relaxation and mindful downtime
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.
