The New York Times Connections puzzle for July 8, 2026 (Puzzle #1123) offers a clever mix of everyday actions, storytelling terms, guitar techniques, and familiar “House of ___” phrases. While the first few groups are relatively straightforward, the final category adds a satisfying wordplay twist.
How NYT Connections Works
Connections is a daily word game where players sort 16 words into four groups of four, each linked by a hidden theme. Groups range from simple categories like foods or places to tricky wordplay or niche references. Players have only four incorrect guesses before the game ends. Color-coded difficulty: yellow (easiest), green or blue (medium), and purple (hardest).
Today’s 16 Words – July 8, 2026
GRATE, LORDS, WAX, PLANE, PLOT, THEME, THREAD, PICK, PLUCK, SLIVER, DRIFT, STRUM, TAP, CARDS, WORSHIP, SHAVE
Hints by Color Group
Yellow Group: Think of words used when slicing vegetables for garnishing or salads.
Green Group: Words that share a similar purpose — all related to the structure of a story.
Blue Group: These terms are associated with playing a string instrument often seen at rock concerts.
Purple Group: Each word fits a common phrase starting with “House of ___” — referring to places or institutions.
Full NYT Connections Answers for July 8, 2026
Yellow Group (CUT INTO THIN PIECES): GRATE, PLANE, SHAVE, SLIVER
Blue Group (MOTIF or recurring idea): DRIFT, PLOT, THEME, THREAD
Green Group (GUITAR-PLAYING TECHNIQUES): PICK, PLUCK, STRUM, TAP
Purple Group (HOUSE OF ___): CARDS, LORDS, WAX, WORSHIP
The puzzle is rated 2.5 out of 5 in difficulty, making it accessible but with enough misdirection to keep solvers engaged. Players should find the yellow group easiest, while the purple group demands a bit more thought.
Stay tuned for more NYT Connections guides, and check out our recent coverage of previous puzzles and related word games.
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