Spoiler warning: The progressive clues below help with NYT Connections puzzle #966, dated Sunday, February 1, 2026. The complete answer key appears after a clearly marked spoiler break.
Progressive hints for Connections #966
Try each clue before moving to the next. The clues follow the puzzle’s four category order.
- Get the word out.
- Sneakerhead.
- My song is on!
- Harmonious noise makers.
Spoiler break: the four groups
Secondary answer guides from Parade, TechRadar, Yahoo Tech and Insider Gaming agree on the following categories and entries.
| Category | Words |
|---|---|
| PUBLICIZE | BOOST, HYPE, PITCH, PLUG |
| KINDS OF SHOES | CLOG, FLAT, MULE, WEDGE |
| ANTHEM | BANGER, BOP, HEATER, JAM |
| MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS PLUS STARTING LETTER | GLUTE, MORGAN, SHARP, THORN |
Why the purple group works
Each purple answer becomes a musical instrument when its first letter is removed:
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- GLUTE → LUTE
- MORGAN → ORGAN
- SHARP → HARP
- THORN → HORN
MORGAN is the supported spelling. One published excerpt transposes the letters as “MORAGN,” but the other answer guides list MORGAN.
Notes on the trickier groups
ANTHEM
BANGER, BOP, HEATER and JAM are slang terms for a powerful, memorable or especially enjoyable song. TechRadar’s Johnny Dee described HEATER as the risk in his grouping, showing why that word can be less immediate than the others.
PUBLICIZE
To BOOST, HYPE, PITCH or PLUG something is to promote it or draw attention to it.
KINDS OF SHOES
CLOG, FLAT, MULE and WEDGE are all shoe styles.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Edition check
This is puzzle #966 for Sunday, February 1, 2026. “Today” in the search wording refers to that dated edition, not a current later puzzle. The answer set is reported by secondary guides; no official New York Times answer page was established for independent confirmation.
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