The New York Times Connections puzzle for September 16, 2026 (Puzzle #1193) is here, and it offers a fresh set of word groupings that test your lateral thinking. Today’s grid includes words like Marigold, Pennywise, Steam Iron, Carlos, and Widener—terms that seem unrelated at first but hide four clever categories.
Overview of Today’s Puzzle
Connections challenges players to sort 16 words into four groups of four, each linked by a common theme. The themes are not revealed until you solve each group. For September 16, the categories range from metal elements to U.S. coins, poets’ middle names, and sausages with an extra letter.
Color-Coded Hints
If you need a nudge without giving away the full answers, here are hints for each difficulty level:
- Yellow (Easiest): These words all end with the name of a metal element.
- Green (Moderate): Look for terms that begin with the name of a U.S. coin.
- Blue (Challenging): If you’re a poetry fan, think about the middle names of famous poets.
- Purple (Hardest): Each word is a type of sausage but with one extra letter added.
One-Word Clues
Still stuck? Here is one representative word from each category to steer you in the right direction:
- LATIN (yellow)
- NICKELODEON (green)
- ST. VINCENT (blue)
- WIDENER (purple)
Full Answers for September 16, 2026
If you’re ready to see the solutions, here are the four completed groups:
Yellow: Ending in Metal Elements
LATIN, LONG JOHN, SILVER, MARIGOLD, STEAM IRON
Green: Starting with U.S. Coins
DIMENSION, NICKELODEON, PENNYWISE, QUARTERBACK
Blue: Poets’ Middle Names
BARRETT, CARLOS, ST. VINCENT, WADSWORTH
Purple: Sausages Plus a Letter
BORAT, CLINK, FRANK-N-FURTER, WIDENER
Why This Puzzle Works
Today’s set offers a satisfying climb in difficulty. The yellow group is straightforward once you spot the metal endings, while the green group plays on coin names. The blue category requires some literary knowledge, and the purple group is a playful twist on sausage names. It’s a perfect example of why Connections remains one of the most engaging daily brain teasers.
Also check out: NYT Strands Hints, Spangram, Answers for September 15, 2026 (#926)