NYT Connections Hints and Answers — Thursday, July 16, 2026 (Puzzle #1131)
Written by Ranjit Kumar — Lead Editor & Puzzle Architect
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🧩 NYT Connections Answers Today — July 16, 2026 (Puzzle #1131)
Here are the complete answers for today's NYT Connections puzzle, Thursday, July 16, 2026:
- 🟨 Yellow – SKINCARE PRODUCTS: CLAY MASK, EYE CREAM, PEEL, TONER
- 🟩 Green – SHADES OF BLACK: CHARCOAL, INK, JET, PITCH
- 🟦 Blue – ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION: BULLSEYE, CLOCKWORK, LASER, NEEDLE
- 🟪 Purple – STARTING WITH TINY MARKS: DOT MATRIX, PERIOD PIECE, POINT BREAK, SPOT REMOVER
Want to try solving it yourself first? Scroll down for progressive spoiler-free hints before seeing the full breakdown.
Welcome to today's NYT Connections hints and answers guide for Thursday, July 16, 2026. If you're stuck on Puzzle #1131, you're in the right place. We'll start with spoiler-free progressive hints so you can try to figure it out on your own, then reveal the full Connections answers for today with a detailed explanation of each group.
📌 Key Takeaways — Puzzle #1131
- Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026
- Puzzle Number: #1131
- Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Hard)
- Trickiest Category: Purple — STARTING WITH TINY MARKS
- Easiest Category: Yellow — SKINCARE PRODUCTS
- Red Herring Warning: Today's Connections puzzle includes words deliberately placed to pull you into wrong groups. These are the traps the editor set — avoid them and save your mistakes for where they matter.
📖 In This Guide
- Tap-to-Reveal Word Hints (Interactive Grid)
- Spoiler-Free Category Hints
- Progressive Category Reveal
- Traps & Misdirects
- One-Word Hints for Each Group
- Two-Away Hints (Almost There)
- Full Answers & Solution Revealed
- Per-Word Explanations & Definitions
- Difficulty Analysis & Strategy Tips
- How to Play NYT Connections
- FAQ
🔮 Connections Hint for Each Word Today — July 16, 2026
Tap any word to see its Connections hint — what it means in today's puzzle, no spoilers. Uncover all 16 to fill the progress bar.
CLAY MASK Connections Hint Today
CLAY MASK belongs to the Yellow group ("SKINCARE PRODUCTS"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "SKINCARE PRODUCTS".
Definition: CLAY MASK is one of the four words in the "SKINCARE PRODUCTS" category. While CLAY MASK has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "SKINCARE PRODUCTS".
CHARCOAL Connections Hint Today
CHARCOAL belongs to the Green group ("SHADES OF BLACK"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "SHADES OF BLACK".
Definition: CHARCOAL is one of the four words in the "SHADES OF BLACK" category. While CHARCOAL has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "SHADES OF BLACK".
DOT MATRIX Connections Hint Today
DOT MATRIX belongs to the Purple group ("STARTING WITH TINY MARKS"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "STARTING WITH TINY MARKS".
Definition: DOT MATRIX is one of the four words in the "STARTING WITH TINY MARKS" category. While DOT MATRIX has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "STARTING WITH TINY MARKS".
POINT BREAK Connections Hint Today
POINT BREAK belongs to the Purple group ("STARTING WITH TINY MARKS"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "STARTING WITH TINY MARKS".
Definition: POINT BREAK is one of the four words in the "STARTING WITH TINY MARKS" category. While POINT BREAK has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "STARTING WITH TINY MARKS".
LASER Connections Hint Today
LASER belongs to the Blue group ("ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION".
Definition: LASER is one of the four words in the "ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION" category. While LASER has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION".
INK Connections Hint Today
INK belongs to the Green group ("SHADES OF BLACK"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "SHADES OF BLACK".
Definition: INK is one of the four words in the "SHADES OF BLACK" category. While INK has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "SHADES OF BLACK".
CLOCKWORK Connections Hint Today
CLOCKWORK belongs to the Blue group ("ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION".
Definition: CLOCKWORK is one of the four words in the "ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION" category. While CLOCKWORK has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION".
BULLSEYE Connections Hint Today
BULLSEYE belongs to the Blue group ("ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION".
Definition: BULLSEYE is one of the four words in the "ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION" category. While BULLSEYE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION".
NEEDLE Connections Hint Today
NEEDLE belongs to the Blue group ("ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION".
Definition: NEEDLE is one of the four words in the "ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION" category. While NEEDLE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION".
TONER Connections Hint Today
TONER belongs to the Yellow group ("SKINCARE PRODUCTS"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "SKINCARE PRODUCTS".
Definition: TONER is one of the four words in the "SKINCARE PRODUCTS" category. While TONER has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "SKINCARE PRODUCTS".
JET Connections Hint Today
JET belongs to the Green group ("SHADES OF BLACK"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "SHADES OF BLACK".
Definition: JET is one of the four words in the "SHADES OF BLACK" category. While JET has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "SHADES OF BLACK".
PERIOD PIECE Connections Hint Today
PERIOD PIECE belongs to the Purple group ("STARTING WITH TINY MARKS"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "STARTING WITH TINY MARKS".
Definition: PERIOD PIECE is one of the four words in the "STARTING WITH TINY MARKS" category. While PERIOD PIECE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "STARTING WITH TINY MARKS".
PEEL Connections Hint Today
PEEL belongs to the Yellow group ("SKINCARE PRODUCTS"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "SKINCARE PRODUCTS".
Definition: PEEL is one of the four words in the "SKINCARE PRODUCTS" category. While PEEL has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "SKINCARE PRODUCTS".
PITCH Connections Hint Today
PITCH belongs to the Green group ("SHADES OF BLACK"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "SHADES OF BLACK".
Definition: PITCH is one of the four words in the "SHADES OF BLACK" category. While PITCH has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "SHADES OF BLACK".
EYE CREAM Connections Hint Today
EYE CREAM belongs to the Yellow group ("SKINCARE PRODUCTS"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "SKINCARE PRODUCTS".
Definition: EYE CREAM is one of the four words in the "SKINCARE PRODUCTS" category. While EYE CREAM has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "SKINCARE PRODUCTS".
SPOT REMOVER Connections Hint Today
SPOT REMOVER belongs to the Purple group ("STARTING WITH TINY MARKS"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "STARTING WITH TINY MARKS".
Definition: SPOT REMOVER is one of the four words in the "STARTING WITH TINY MARKS" category. While SPOT REMOVER has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "STARTING WITH TINY MARKS".
CLAY MASK belongs to the Yellow group ("SKINCARE PRODUCTS"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "SKINCARE PRODUCTS".
⚠️ Red Herring Alert: Today's Connections puzzle includes words deliberately placed to pull you into wrong groups. These are the traps the editor set — avoid them and save your mistakes for where they matter.
💡 Spoiler-Free Hints — NYT Connections July 16, 2026
Not ready for the full answer? Try these progressive hints for today's Connections puzzle. We start vague and get more specific.
🟨 Yellow Group Hint
Theme Hint: Products you'd find in the skincare aisle of a pharmacy or beauty store — things you apply to your face as part of a routine. Think: bathroom shelf, beauty counter, face care
🟩 Green Group Hint
Theme Hint: Words that describe extremely dark colours — each one is a specific shade or synonym for black. Think: the darkest end of the colour spectrum
🟦 Blue Group Hint
Theme Hint: Words or phrases associated with extreme accuracy and exactness — things that are perfectly on target. Think: surgical accuracy, zero error, dead centre
🟪 Purple Group Hint
Theme Hint: Two-word phrases where the first word is a synonym for a tiny mark or dot — the second word completes a familiar compound or title. Think: the first word in each phrase means something very small on a surface
🔓 Reveal Answers Progressively
Reveal each group step-by-step. Click "See Hint", then "See Group Name", then individual words.
Yellow Connections Hint Today
Products you'd find in the skincare aisle of a pharmacy or beauty store — things you apply to your face as part of a routine. Think: bathroom shelf, beauty counter, face care
Green Connections Hint Today
Words that describe extremely dark colours — each one is a specific shade or synonym for black. Think: the darkest end of the colour spectrum
Blue Connections Hint Today
Words or phrases associated with extreme accuracy and exactness — things that are perfectly on target. Think: surgical accuracy, zero error, dead centre
Purple Connections Hint Today
Two-word phrases where the first word is a synonym for a tiny mark or dot — the second word completes a familiar compound or title. Think: the first word in each phrase means something very small on a surface
⚠️ Traps & Misdirects in Today's Connections
Today's puzzle includes words intentionally placed to misdirect you. These trap hints reveal which words are designed to mislead, so you don't burn your 4 allowed mistakes on deliberate decoys.
Today's Connections puzzle includes words deliberately placed to pull you into wrong groups. These are the traps the editor set — avoid them and save your mistakes for where they matter.
Words like CLAY MASK and CHARCOAL might seem related at first glance, but they belong to completely different categories. CLAY MASK is part of "SKINCARE PRODUCTS" while CHARCOAL belongs to "SHADES OF BLACK". Don't group them together.
Words like CLAY MASK and BULLSEYE might seem related at first glance, but they belong to completely different categories. CLAY MASK is part of "SKINCARE PRODUCTS" while BULLSEYE belongs to "ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION". Don't group them together.
Words like CLAY MASK and DOT MATRIX might seem related at first glance, but they belong to completely different categories. CLAY MASK is part of "SKINCARE PRODUCTS" while DOT MATRIX belongs to "STARTING WITH TINY MARKS". Don't group them together.
🔑 One-Word Hints for Each Group
Still need a nudge? Here's one word that describes each group's theme:
🟨 Yellow
SKINCARE PRODUCTS
🟩 Green
SHADES OF BLACK
🟦 Blue
ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION
🟪 Purple
STARTING WITH TINY MARKS
🔥 Two-Away Hints — Almost the Full Answer
Last chance before the full reveal. Here are two members of each group:
| Group | Two Revealed Words | Can You Find the Other Two? |
|---|---|---|
| 🟨 Yellow | CLAY MASK, EYE CREAM | What other words fit the "SKINCARE PRODUCTS" theme? |
| 🟩 Green | CHARCOAL, INK | What other words fit the "SHADES OF BLACK" theme? |
| 🟦 Blue | BULLSEYE, CLOCKWORK | What other words fit the "ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION" theme? |
| 🟪 Purple | DOT MATRIX, PERIOD PIECE | What other words fit the "STARTING WITH TINY MARKS" theme? |
✅ Full Answers — NYT Connections Today, July 16, 2026 (Puzzle #1131)
Here are the complete NYT Connections answers for today, Thursday, July 16, 2026. Puzzle #1131 is fully solved below.
🟨 Yellow — SKINCARE PRODUCTS
🟩 Green — SHADES OF BLACK
🟦 Blue — ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION
🟪 Purple — STARTING WITH TINY MARKS
🔍 Per-Word Explanations — Every Answer Defined
Let's dive deep into every word in today's Connections Puzzle #1131 — what each word means, why it belongs to its group, and how the puzzle uses it.
🟨 Yellow (Easiest) — SKINCARE PRODUCTS
The easiest category is "SKINCARE PRODUCTS". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
CLAY MASK
CLAY MASK is one of the four words in the "SKINCARE PRODUCTS" category. While CLAY MASK has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "SKINCARE PRODUCTS".
EYE CREAM
EYE CREAM is one of the four words in the "SKINCARE PRODUCTS" category. While EYE CREAM has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "SKINCARE PRODUCTS".
PEEL
PEEL is one of the four words in the "SKINCARE PRODUCTS" category. While PEEL has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "SKINCARE PRODUCTS".
TONER
TONER is one of the four words in the "SKINCARE PRODUCTS" category. While TONER has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "SKINCARE PRODUCTS".
🟩 Green (Medium) — SHADES OF BLACK
The medium category is "SHADES OF BLACK". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
CHARCOAL
CHARCOAL is one of the four words in the "SHADES OF BLACK" category. While CHARCOAL has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "SHADES OF BLACK".
INK
INK is one of the four words in the "SHADES OF BLACK" category. While INK has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "SHADES OF BLACK".
JET
JET is one of the four words in the "SHADES OF BLACK" category. While JET has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "SHADES OF BLACK".
PITCH
PITCH is one of the four words in the "SHADES OF BLACK" category. While PITCH has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "SHADES OF BLACK".
🟦 Blue (Hard) — ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION
The hard category is "ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
BULLSEYE
BULLSEYE is one of the four words in the "ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION" category. While BULLSEYE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION".
CLOCKWORK
CLOCKWORK is one of the four words in the "ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION" category. While CLOCKWORK has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION".
LASER
LASER is one of the four words in the "ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION" category. While LASER has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION".
NEEDLE
NEEDLE is one of the four words in the "ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION" category. While NEEDLE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION".
🟪 Purple (Hardest) — STARTING WITH TINY MARKS
The hardest category is "STARTING WITH TINY MARKS". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
DOT MATRIX
DOT MATRIX is one of the four words in the "STARTING WITH TINY MARKS" category. While DOT MATRIX has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "STARTING WITH TINY MARKS".
PERIOD PIECE
PERIOD PIECE is one of the four words in the "STARTING WITH TINY MARKS" category. While PERIOD PIECE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "STARTING WITH TINY MARKS".
POINT BREAK
POINT BREAK is one of the four words in the "STARTING WITH TINY MARKS" category. While POINT BREAK has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "STARTING WITH TINY MARKS".
SPOT REMOVER
SPOT REMOVER is one of the four words in the "STARTING WITH TINY MARKS" category. While SPOT REMOVER has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "STARTING WITH TINY MARKS".
📊 Difficulty Analysis & Strategy Tips
| Group | Difficulty | Solve Order |
|---|---|---|
| 🟨 Yellow — SKINCARE PRODUCTS | ⭐ Easy | Solve FIRST — the easiest category |
| 🟩 Green — SHADES OF BLACK | ⭐⭐ Medium | Solve SECOND |
| 🟦 Blue — ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION | ⭐⭐⭐ Hard | Solve THIRD |
| 🟪 Purple — STARTING WITH TINY MARKS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Hard | Solve LAST or by elimination |
🎮 How to Play NYT Connections
New to the game? Here's a quick guide:
1️⃣
Study the 16 Words
Find four groups of four related words in the 4×4 grid.
2️⃣
Select & Submit
Tap four words you think belong together and hit "Submit."
3️⃣
4 Mistakes Max
Wrong guesses cost a life. After 4 mistakes, the game ends.
4️⃣
Solve All Four
Yellow = easiest, Purple = hardest. Solve all four to win!
🗞️ What Is NYT Connections?
NYT Connections is a daily word puzzle game created by Wyna Liu and published by The New York Times. Launched in mid-2023, it has become one of the most popular word games online alongside Wordle. Each puzzle presents 16 words that must be organized into four groups of four sharing a common theme.
- 🟨 Yellow — Easiest (straightforward connections)
- 🟩 Green — Medium difficulty
- 🟦 Blue — Hard (tricky connections or wordplay)
- 🟪 Purple — Hardest (often abstract, suffix/prefix patterns, or obscure links)
📅 Yesterday's Answers — Puzzle #1144
- 🟨 FASTENERS: NAIL, RIVET, SCREW, STAPLE
- 🟩 NONDESCRIPT: BASIC, MID, PLAIN, VANILLA
- 🟦 UNITS OF WISDOM: GEM, NUGGET, PEARL, WORD
- 🟪 ____BOARDS IN A CLASSROOM: BLACK, CHALK, CORK, WHITE
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Connections July 16, 2026
The answers for NYT Connections Puzzle #1131 (July 16, 2026) are: 🟨 Yellow (SKINCARE PRODUCTS): CLAY MASK, EYE CREAM, PEEL, TONER | 🟩 Green (SHADES OF BLACK): CHARCOAL, INK, JET, PITCH | 🟦 Blue (ASSOCIATED WITH PRECISION): BULLSEYE, CLOCKWORK, LASER, NEEDLE | 🟪 Purple (STARTING WITH TINY MARKS): DOT MATRIX, PERIOD PIECE, POINT BREAK, SPOT REMOVER.
The yellow category in today's Connections (July 16, 2026) is "SKINCARE PRODUCTS" and the four answers are CLAY MASK, EYE CREAM, PEEL, TONER.
The purple category in today's Connections (July 16, 2026) is "STARTING WITH TINY MARKS" and the answers are DOT MATRIX, PERIOD PIECE, POINT BREAK, SPOT REMOVER.
A new NYT Connections puzzle is released every day at midnight Eastern Time (ET). That's 9:00 PM Pacific, 5:00 AM BST, or 2:00 PM AEST. Bookmark this page for daily hints!
You are allowed up to 4 mistakes. After 4 incorrect guesses, the game ends and all remaining answers are revealed. Start with Yellow (easiest) to minimize errors.
The colors indicate difficulty: 🟨 Yellow is the easiest, 🟩 Green is moderate, 🟦 Blue is tricky, and 🟪 Purple is the hardest (often involving wordplay or abstract connections).
Yes! NYT Connections is free to play daily on The New York Times website and app. No subscription is required. You can also play unlimited sports-themed puzzles for free at ConnectionsSports.com.
As of July 16, 2026, there have been 1,131 NYT Connections puzzles since the game launched on June 12, 2023.
🏆 That's Today's NYT Connections Solved — Puzzle #1131
Come back tomorrow for Puzzle #1132 — we'll have fresh hints and answers waiting for you right here!
Questions or feedback? Contact Ranjit Kumar — puzzle architect and creator of ConnectionsSports.com.
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