NYT Connections puzzle for September 28, 2026, challenges players with four hidden groups involving things with stalks, oyster condiments, Dodge models, and words featuring repeated three-letter patterns. This edition offers a balanced mix of everyday vocabulary and clever wordplay, making it a satisfying mental workout for both seasoned solvers and casual players.
How NYT Connections Works
Connections is a daily puzzle from The New York Times where you sort 16 words into four groups of four. Each group shares a subtle link, such as a theme, phrase, or category. The groups are color-coded by difficulty:
- Yellow – Most straightforward.
- Green – Requires a bit more logical thinking.
- Blue – Tests cultural or linguistic knowledge.
- Purple – Involves complex wordplay or pop culture references.
You get three incorrect guesses before the game ends, so each choice matters.
Today’s 16 Words
Here is the word list for September 28, 2026:
TABASCO, CHALLENGER, WHEAT, HORSERADISH, LEMON, CHIHUAHUA, POSSESSES, MIGNONETTE, CHARGER, DURANGO, VIPER, BAMBOO, CELERY, CORN, ARKANSANS, SPRINGING
Hints for September 28
Use these nudges to crack the puzzle:
- Yellow Group Hint: Look for words that describe things that grow similarly.
- Green Group Hint: All related to seafood accompaniments.
- Blue Group Hint: These are vehicle names you can drive.
- Purple Group Hint: Focus on letter patterns — specifically repeating three-letter sequences.
One-Word Hints for Each Group
Still stuck? Try these:
- Yellow: BAMBOO
- Green: LEMON
- Blue: DURANGO
- Purple: SPRINGING
Answers for September 28, 2026
If you have solved the puzzle using the hints, congratulations! Otherwise, here are the complete answers:
- Yellow group (THINGS WITH STALKS): BAMBOO, CELERY, CORN, WHEAT
- Green group (OYSTER CONDIMENTS): HORSERADISH, LEMON, MIGNONETTE, TABASCO
- Blue group (DODGE MODELS): CHALLENGER, CHARGER, DURANGO, VIPER
- Purple group (THREE LETTERS PLUS REPEATED TRIGRAMS): ARKANSANS, CHIHUAHUA, POSSESSES, SPRINGING
Final Thoughts
The September 28 edition of NYT Connections delivers a well-balanced challenge. It combines everyday activities with clever word associations. From simple words indicating things that grow similarly to seafood condiments and wordplay, the puzzle gradually builds momentum as players move from easier groups to trickier ones. The final letter-pattern connection adds a playful twist that requires sharper observation. This mix of familiarity and surprise is exactly what keeps Connections engaging day after day.