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NYT Connections puzzle #966 is dated Sunday, February 1, 2026. Start with the color-coded clues below, then reveal the category names and exact word groups only if you need more help. Because a new puzzle appears at midnight in each time zone, “today” may refer to a different puzzle depending on your local date.
Hints for Connections #966
Try these broad clues before looking at the categories or answers. They follow the game’s color order from yellow to purple.
- Yellow: Build ’em up.
- Green: Types of footwear.
- Blue: Words for a floor-filler.
- Purple: Front-loaded orchestra.
Another way to think about the four themes: getting the word out, shoe styles, a song you love, and harmonious noise makers.
Connections categories for February 1
Stop here if you want the category names without seeing the four words in each group.
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- Yellow: Publicize
- Green: Kinds of shoes
- Blue: Anthem
- Purple: Musical instruments plus a starting letter
Full answers for Connections #966
Spoilers: The complete sets are below.
- Publicize: BOOST, HYPE, PITCH, PLUG
- Kinds of shoes: CLOG, FLAT, MULE, WEDGE
- Anthem: BANGER, BOP, HEATER, JAM
- Musical instruments plus a starting letter: GLUTE, MORGAN, SHARP, THORN
How the purple wordplay works
Each purple answer begins with a letter added to the name of a musical instrument: G + LUTE, M + ORGAN, S + HARP, and T + HORN. The resulting words are GLUTE, MORGAN, SHARP, and THORN.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What Connections asks you to do
Connections challenges players to find groups of four items that share something in common. TechRadar describes it as playable through NYT Games on desktop or mobile; availability and access requirements can change.
Quick Recap
Rank #2
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