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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallNYT Connections game #965 is the archived puzzle for Saturday, January 31, 2026. Start with the graduated clues below if you want a nudge; the category names and full answer sets are further down, after a spoiler break.
Hints for Connections #965
These clues move from broad to more specific. Stop whenever you have enough to keep solving.
- Yellow: Think about types of events.
- Green: These are tools for decorating.
- Blue: Look at the outline or shape of each object; the alphabet may help.
- Purple: Think of a word that rhymes with “lift.”
The 16 words in the puzzle
DRESS; WISHBONE; ROLLER; BALL; SHOWER; STETHOSCOPE; BRUSH; MIXER; SLINGSHOT; SPRAY CAN; RECEPTION; COMPUTER KEY; FLUCTUATION; TUNING FORK; WORK PERIOD; PALETTE KNIFE.
Spoilers: category names and answers
Stop here if you are still solving. The category labels and all four groups are revealed below.
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- The Original and Authentic Version of the Sensational Party Game
- Get ready for the award-winning fast-paced word game that gives family game night a rush of excitement as players compete to beat the timer!
- HOW TO PLAY - Choose a card with a category, press the timer, and shout out words related to the category that start with a certain letter. Once the related word is announced, press the corresponding letter tab.
- Take it on the go and great to play anywhere - the portable Tapple wheel stores all of the category cards for easy carry and storage.
- Includes 1 Tapple wheel with built-in timer, 36 cards (144 categories), rules
Yellow — Kinds of parties
BALL, MIXER, RECEPTION, SHOWER.
Green — Ways to apply paint
BRUSH, PALETTE KNIFE, ROLLER, SPRAY CAN.
Blue — Y-shaped things
SLINGSHOT, STETHOSCOPE, TUNING FORK, WISHBONE.
Purple — What “shift” might refer to
COMPUTER KEY, DRESS, FLUCTUATION, WORK PERIOD.
The trick in the purple group is that “shift” has several meanings: a keyboard key, a type of garment, a change or fluctuation, and a period of work. The blue group is based on shape, not on the objects’ more obvious associations with medicine, food, or music.
Sources
The answer sets and puzzle words are corroborated by TechRadar’s January 31, 2026 Connections guide and Forbes’ January 31, 2026 clues and answers, both published on January 30.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- FUN FOR EVERYONE – Gather your family and friends with word games for adults and kids, and race against each other to build crossword grids. This anagram game that will drive you bananas.
- MAKES A GREAT GIFT – Bananagrams will make a thoughtful gift as family games for adults and children for your friends or family members. It is perfect for both boys and girls.
- GREAT FOR TRAVEL – Bananagrams comes in a fun banana-shaped case. This game doesn’t take much space like other family board games and brings tons of fun while traveling.
- PLEASE NOTE – Contains small parts, not for children under 3 years. Offering family games for kids and adults, or anyone 7 years and up. 1-8 players.
- ENTERTAINING AND EDUCATIONAL – While this game is easy to play, Bananagrams is also educational. Teach your kids how to spell words and have fun at the same time with letter games.
Rank #3
- Fast-Paced Word Game with 3 Game Modes: This interactive family board game features 3 modes: Random Quiz, Speed Challenge, and Turn-Taking. The built-in 10-second countdown timer and light-sensing technology create exciting challenges for kids, teens, and adults
- 40 Double-Sided Cards & Custom Gameplay: Includes 40 double-sided category cards with different themes on each side for more challenges and replay value. Create your own cards that fit the sensing area to customize topics for different ages and keep every game fresh
- Smart Light-Sensing Technology & Portable Design: Advanced light-sensing technology provides fast and accurate responses during gameplay. Built-in card storage keeps pieces organized, while adjustable volume settings make it perfect for home, travel, and outdoor play
- Educational Word Game for Skill Development: Improve vocabulary, spelling, quick thinking, and reaction skills through interactive gameplay. This educational game encourages parent-child interaction, teamwork, and communication for fun learning
- Family Party Game for Kids, Teens & Adults: Designed for 2–6 players ages 8+, perfect for family game nights, parties, classrooms, travel, and holiday gatherings. A fun gift choice for birthdays, Christmas, and special occasions
Rank #2
- The game where _______ minds think alike!
- Prepare yourself for Blank Slate, a game of addicting predictions! How well can you put your finger on what everyone's thinking?
- Pick a Word Cue card, write the word you think best completes the phrase, and try to match it to anther player's word without giving a single hint
- Easy to learn, quick to play, and fun for the whole family; just grab a slate, write a word, and get ready to make a match. Great for large groups or small gatherings!
- Includes: Scoreboard, 8 dry-erase slates, 250 doubled-sided word cue cards, rules
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