Recommended Free Tools
Spoiler warning: This page has graduated hints and the full solution for NYT Connections game #954, dated Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Stop after the hint you need if you still want to solve it yourself.
Hints for Connections #954
Try each clue before revealing the category names or word groups.
- Yellow: These words can describe ways to connect or twist things together.
- Green: These are types of a familiar striped insect.
- Blue: Think of notable bridges.
- Purple: Each word begins with a synonym for “hanker for.”
Connections answers for January 20, 2026
The full board was CRAVEN, TOWER, BROOKLYN, BUMBLE, CARPENTER, LACE, NEEDLE, TWIST, HONEY, WANTON, WIND, RIALTO, DESIREE, GOLDEN GATE, WEAVE, and KILLER.
| Color | Category | Words |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | INTERTWINE | LACE, TWIST, WEAVE, WIND |
| Green | KINDS OF BEES | BUMBLE, CARPENTER, HONEY, KILLER |
| Blue | FAMOUS BRIDGES | BROOKLYN, GOLDEN GATE, RIALTO, TOWER |
| Purple | STARTING WITH SYNONYMS FOR “HANKER FOR” | CRAVEN, DESIREE, NEEDLE, WANTON |
Why the purple group fits
The trick is to focus on each word’s beginning: CRAVEN starts with CRAVE, DESIREE with DESIRE, NEEDLE with NEED, and WANTON with WANT. Those four starting words mean to long for or want something.
#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
How Connections works
Connections presents 16 words and asks players to sort them into four groups of four that share a connection. The New York Times describes yellow as the easiest group and purple as the trickiest; those colors signal relative difficulty, not a required solving order. The game’s editors curate its words and categories using the Oxford Dictionary. It is available on the NYT Games website and app, among other NYT platforms. NYT Connections help.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Finding this puzzle after its date
NYT says its Connections archive includes puzzles dating back to June 12, 2023, and requires an All Access or Games subscription. Archive play affects some statistics but not streaks, and a completed archive puzzle cannot be replayed. Access rules can change; see the NYT Help Center for current details.
The puzzle is identified as game #954 for January 20, 2026 by TechRadar; the board and group assignments are also listed by Word Cheats. Since Connections releases at midnight in a player’s timezone, a “today” label may refer to a different puzzle depending on location.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
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.
