This is the solution to New York Times Connections puzzle #953, dated Monday, January 19, 2026—not a current-day puzzle. Want a nudge before seeing the answers? Start with the hints below, then open the full groups when you’re ready.
Hints for Connections #953
- Yellow: These words can describe someone with little experience.
- Green: These are all words for money or a large amount of it.
- Blue: Think of quantities measured using SI base units.
- Purple: Put the same word before each answer to make a familiar phrase.
Full solution for January 19, 2026
Spoilers below: The complete grid contains SILVER, MINT, STUDY, TIME, FIX, BUDDING, MASS, BUNDLE, FRESH, CURRENT, WAD, SAND, NAIVE, FORTUNE, LENGTH, and NEW.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Category | Words | Connection |
|---|---|---|
| INEXPERIENCED | BUDDING, FRESH, NAIVE, NEW | Each can describe someone new to an activity or situation. |
| Money-related terms | BUNDLE, FORTUNE, MINT, WAD | Each can refer to money or a substantial amount of it. |
| MEASURED BY SI UNITS | CURRENT, LENGTH, MASS, TIME | These are quantities measured using SI base units. |
| WORDS AFTER “QUICK” | FIX, SAND, SILVER, STUDY | Each forms a familiar phrase after “quick.” |
How the groups connect
INEXPERIENCED
BUDDING, FRESH, NAIVE, and NEW can all describe a person who lacks experience. Their shared idea is inexperience, rather than a particular job or hobby.
Money-related terms
BUNDLE, FORTUNE, MINT, and WAD are informal or figurative terms associated with money. The group is about money language, not a single formal financial category.
#1 Best Overall
MEASURED BY SI UNITS
CURRENT, LENGTH, MASS, and TIME are quantities measured with SI base units: ampere, metre, kilogram, and second, respectively.
WORDS AFTER “QUICK”
FIX, SAND, SILVER, and STUDY complete “quick fix,” “quicksand,” “quicksilver,” and “quick study.”
Rank #2
What made this grid tricky
The words invite several kinds of association: synonyms, money terms, measurement vocabulary, and phrase completion. A solver might connect MINT with freshness, or FRESH and NEW with a phrase, but the complete set of four determines the intended group. Looking for a single shared relationship across all four words helps separate tempting overlaps from the actual categories.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Quick Recap
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.
