What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Here are the 16 words for the Monday, January 12, 2026, NYT Connections puzzle (#946), followed by hints and the full solution. Stop at the section that gives you the amount of help you want.
The 16 words in Connections #946
HANDSHAKE, COMPACT, ARMCHAIR, EXPERT, CONSOLE, HEADQUARTER, NOVICE, FOOTSTOOL, UNDERSTANDING, PUMPERNICKEL, PROFICIENT, AGREEMENT, CEFTAZIDIME, INTERMEDIATE, BOOKCASE, MONEYPENNY.
Spoiler-light group hints
- Yellow: As seen in a house.
- Green: Participation ranking.
- Blue: Oath.
- Purple: Look for cash.
These are published hints from the January 11, 2026 answer guides, not additional official NYT clues. Connections asks players to sort 16 words into four groups of four; the game permits up to four mistakes. The puzzle resets at midnight local time, so “today” depends on your time zone.
Category names
- Yellow: Living room furniture
- Green: Experience levels
- Blue: Promise
- Purple: Ending in U.S. coins
Full answers for January 12
Yellow — Living room furniture: ARMCHAIR, BOOKCASE, CONSOLE, FOOTSTOOL.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#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
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 is tricky
Each purple answer ends with a U.S. coin name: CEFTAZIDIME ends in “dime,” HEADQUARTER in “quarter,” MONEYPENNY in “penny,” and PUMPERNICKEL in “nickel.” CEFTAZIDIME is an antibiotic, which can make the word look especially out of place. HEADQUARTER appears in the singular, even though “headquarters” is more familiar. COMPACT belongs to the promise group because it can mean a formal agreement.
Sources
The date, word list, hints, categories, and solution are independently reported in TechRadar, Forbes, and Try Hard Guides, all published January 11, 2026. These are archival answers; check NYT Games directly for current game and archive access details.
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.
