The New York Times Connections puzzle for July 26, 2026 challenges players to sort 16 words into four hidden groups: baby milestones, outdated consumer technology, expressions for rainy weather, and multiple meanings of the word ‘shell.’ While the first two categories are relatively straightforward, the rain-related phrases and the final wordplay group require closer attention.
Today’s Connections Clues
Here is one representative word from each category to help you start:
- Yellow Category: FIRST WORDS
- Green Category: PLASMA TV
- Blue Category: SCOTCH MIST
- Purple Category: GAS STATION
Additional clues for each group:
- Yellow: Important stages during a baby’s early development.
- Green: Once cutting-edge electronics that have largely disappeared.
- Blue: Different ways people refer to rainy conditions.
- Purple: Think of different things the word ‘shell’ can describe.
Today’s Categories
- Yellow Category: Baby Milestones
- Green Category: Outmoded Consumer Tech
- Blue Category: Expressions for Rain
- Purple Category: What ‘Shell’ Might Refer To
Complete Answers
Yellow: Baby Milestones
- CRAWLING
- FIRST WORDS
- ROLLING OVER
- SOLID FOOD
Green: Outmoded Consumer Tech
- BLACKBERRY
- DISCMAN
- DVD PLAYER
- PLASMA TV
Blue: Expressions for Rain
- APRIL SHOWERS
- LIQUID SUNSHINE
- SCOTCH MIST
- WET WEATHER
Purple: What ‘Shell’ Might Refer To
- CARAPACE
- GAS STATION
- PASTRY CRUST
- ROWING BOAT
The Bottom Line
Today’s puzzle offers an enjoyable mix of everyday knowledge, nostalgia, weather vocabulary, and creative wordplay. The baby milestones and outdated gadgets are easy to spot, while the rain-themed expressions and multiple uses of ‘shell’ make the last two categories more challenging. Great for puzzle fans looking for a satisfying mental workout.