NYT Connections Hints and Answers — Wednesday, June 17, 2026 (Puzzle #1102)
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🧩 NYT Connections Answers Today — June 17, 2026 (Puzzle #1102)
Here are the complete answers for today's NYT Connections puzzle, Wednesday, June 17, 2026:
- 🟨 Yellow – Alcove: CAVITY, NICHE, NOOK, RECESS
- 🟩 Green – Bodily words for attitude: CHEEK, LIP, MOUTH, NERVE
- 🟦 Blue – Figures in Greek myth: CALLIOPE, ECHO, IRIS, NEMESIS
- 🟪 Purple – Starting with synonyms for "Ilk": CLASSIC, KINDLE, SORTIE, TYPEFACE
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 Wednesday, June 17, 2026. If you're stuck on Puzzle #1102, 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 #1102
- Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
- Puzzle Number: #1102
- Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐ (Medium)
- Trickiest Category: Purple — Starting with synonyms for "Ilk"
- Easiest Category: Yellow — Alcove
📖 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 — June 17, 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.
KINDLE Connections Hint Today
KINDLE belongs to the Purple group ("Starting with synonyms for "Ilk""). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Starting with synonyms for "Ilk"".
Definition: KINDLE is one of the four words in the "Starting with synonyms for "Ilk"" category. While KINDLE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Starting with synonyms for "Ilk"".
CAVITY Connections Hint Today
CAVITY belongs to the Yellow group ("Alcove"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Alcove".
Definition: CAVITY is one of the four words in the "Alcove" category. While CAVITY has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Alcove".
NOOK Connections Hint Today
NOOK belongs to the Yellow group ("Alcove"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Alcove".
Definition: NOOK is one of the four words in the "Alcove" category. While NOOK has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Alcove".
NEMESIS Connections Hint Today
NEMESIS belongs to the Blue group ("Figures in Greek myth"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Figures in Greek myth".
Definition: NEMESIS is one of the four words in the "Figures in Greek myth" category. While NEMESIS has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Figures in Greek myth".
CALLIOPE Connections Hint Today
CALLIOPE belongs to the Blue group ("Figures in Greek myth"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Figures in Greek myth".
Definition: CALLIOPE is one of the four words in the "Figures in Greek myth" category. While CALLIOPE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Figures in Greek myth".
NICHE Connections Hint Today
NICHE belongs to the Yellow group ("Alcove"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Alcove".
Definition: NICHE is one of the four words in the "Alcove" category. While NICHE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Alcove".
IRIS Connections Hint Today
IRIS belongs to the Blue group ("Figures in Greek myth"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Figures in Greek myth".
Definition: IRIS is one of the four words in the "Figures in Greek myth" category. While IRIS has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Figures in Greek myth".
MOUTH Connections Hint Today
MOUTH belongs to the Green group ("Bodily words for attitude"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Bodily words for attitude".
Definition: MOUTH is one of the four words in the "Bodily words for attitude" category. While MOUTH has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Bodily words for attitude".
TYPEFACE Connections Hint Today
TYPEFACE belongs to the Purple group ("Starting with synonyms for "Ilk""). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Starting with synonyms for "Ilk"".
Definition: TYPEFACE is one of the four words in the "Starting with synonyms for "Ilk"" category. While TYPEFACE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Starting with synonyms for "Ilk"".
RECESS Connections Hint Today
RECESS belongs to the Yellow group ("Alcove"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Alcove".
Definition: RECESS is one of the four words in the "Alcove" category. While RECESS has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Alcove".
NERVE Connections Hint Today
NERVE belongs to the Green group ("Bodily words for attitude"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Bodily words for attitude".
Definition: NERVE is one of the four words in the "Bodily words for attitude" category. While NERVE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Bodily words for attitude".
CHEEK Connections Hint Today
CHEEK belongs to the Green group ("Bodily words for attitude"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Bodily words for attitude".
Definition: CHEEK is one of the four words in the "Bodily words for attitude" category. While CHEEK has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Bodily words for attitude".
LIP Connections Hint Today
LIP belongs to the Green group ("Bodily words for attitude"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Bodily words for attitude".
Definition: LIP is one of the four words in the "Bodily words for attitude" category. While LIP has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Bodily words for attitude".
SORTIE Connections Hint Today
SORTIE belongs to the Purple group ("Starting with synonyms for "Ilk""). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Starting with synonyms for "Ilk"".
Definition: SORTIE is one of the four words in the "Starting with synonyms for "Ilk"" category. While SORTIE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Starting with synonyms for "Ilk"".
ECHO Connections Hint Today
ECHO belongs to the Blue group ("Figures in Greek myth"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Figures in Greek myth".
Definition: ECHO is one of the four words in the "Figures in Greek myth" category. While ECHO has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Figures in Greek myth".
CLASSIC Connections Hint Today
CLASSIC belongs to the Purple group ("Starting with synonyms for "Ilk""). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Starting with synonyms for "Ilk"".
Definition: CLASSIC is one of the four words in the "Starting with synonyms for "Ilk"" category. While CLASSIC has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Starting with synonyms for "Ilk"".
KINDLE belongs to the Purple group ("Starting with synonyms for "Ilk""). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Starting with synonyms for "Ilk"".
💡 Spoiler-Free Hints — NYT Connections June 17, 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: This is the easiest category. Think about what connects the concept of "Alcove" — the answer involves words that all relate to this theme.
🟩 Green Group Hint
Theme Hint: This is a medium-difficulty category. Think about what connects the concept of "Bodily words for attitude" — the answer involves words that all relate to this theme.
🟦 Blue Group Hint
Theme Hint: This is a tricky category. Think about what connects the concept of "Figures in Greek myth" — the answer involves words that all relate to this theme.
🟪 Purple Group Hint
Theme Hint: This is the hardest category. Think about what connects the concept of "Starting with synonyms for "Ilk"" — the answer involves words that all relate to this theme.
🔓 Reveal Answers Progressively
Reveal each group step-by-step. Click "See Hint", then "See Group Name", then individual words.
Yellow Connections Hint Today
This is the easiest category. Think about what connects the concept of "Alcove" — the answer involves words that all relate to this theme.
Green Connections Hint Today
This is a medium-difficulty category. Think about what connects the concept of "Bodily words for attitude" — the answer involves words that all relate to this theme.
Blue Connections Hint Today
This is a tricky category. Think about what connects the concept of "Figures in Greek myth" — the answer involves words that all relate to this theme.
Purple Connections Hint Today
This is the hardest category. Think about what connects the concept of "Starting with synonyms for "Ilk"" — the answer involves words that all relate to this theme.
⚠️ 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.
Words like CAVITY and CHEEK might seem related at first glance, but they belong to completely different categories. CAVITY is part of "Alcove" while CHEEK belongs to "Bodily words for attitude". Don't group them together.
Words like CAVITY and CALLIOPE might seem related at first glance, but they belong to completely different categories. CAVITY is part of "Alcove" while CALLIOPE belongs to "Figures in Greek myth". Don't group them together.
Words like CAVITY and CLASSIC might seem related at first glance, but they belong to completely different categories. CAVITY is part of "Alcove" while CLASSIC belongs to "Starting with synonyms for "Ilk"". 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
ALCOVE
🟩 Green
BODILY WORDS FOR ATTITUDE
🟦 Blue
FIGURES IN GREEK MYTH
🟪 Purple
STARTING WITH SYNONYMS FOR "ILK"
🔥 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 | CAVITY, NICHE | What other words fit the "Alcove" theme? |
| 🟩 Green | CHEEK, LIP | What other words fit the "Bodily words for attitude" theme? |
| 🟦 Blue | CALLIOPE, ECHO | What other words fit the "Figures in Greek myth" theme? |
| 🟪 Purple | CLASSIC, KINDLE | What other words fit the "Starting with synonyms for "Ilk"" theme? |
✅ Full Answers — NYT Connections Today, June 17, 2026 (Puzzle #1102)
Here are the complete NYT Connections answers for today, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. Puzzle #1102 is fully solved below.
🟨 Yellow — Alcove
🟩 Green — Bodily words for attitude
🟦 Blue — Figures in Greek myth
🟪 Purple — Starting with synonyms for "Ilk"
🔍 Per-Word Explanations — Every Answer Defined
Let's dive deep into every word in today's Connections Puzzle #1102 — what each word means, why it belongs to its group, and how the puzzle uses it.
🟨 Yellow (Easiest) — Alcove
The easiest category is "Alcove". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
CAVITY
CAVITY is one of the four words in the "Alcove" category. While CAVITY has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Alcove".
NICHE
NICHE is one of the four words in the "Alcove" category. While NICHE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Alcove".
NOOK
NOOK is one of the four words in the "Alcove" category. While NOOK has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Alcove".
RECESS
RECESS is one of the four words in the "Alcove" category. While RECESS has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Alcove".
🟩 Green (Medium) — Bodily words for attitude
The medium category is "Bodily words for attitude". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
CHEEK
CHEEK is one of the four words in the "Bodily words for attitude" category. While CHEEK has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Bodily words for attitude".
LIP
LIP is one of the four words in the "Bodily words for attitude" category. While LIP has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Bodily words for attitude".
MOUTH
MOUTH is one of the four words in the "Bodily words for attitude" category. While MOUTH has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Bodily words for attitude".
NERVE
NERVE is one of the four words in the "Bodily words for attitude" category. While NERVE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Bodily words for attitude".
🟦 Blue (Hard) — Figures in Greek myth
The hard category is "Figures in Greek myth". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
CALLIOPE
CALLIOPE is one of the four words in the "Figures in Greek myth" category. While CALLIOPE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Figures in Greek myth".
ECHO
ECHO is one of the four words in the "Figures in Greek myth" category. While ECHO has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Figures in Greek myth".
IRIS
IRIS is one of the four words in the "Figures in Greek myth" category. While IRIS has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Figures in Greek myth".
NEMESIS
NEMESIS is one of the four words in the "Figures in Greek myth" category. While NEMESIS has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Figures in Greek myth".
🟪 Purple (Hardest) — Starting with synonyms for "Ilk"
The hardest category is "Starting with synonyms for "Ilk"". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
CLASSIC
CLASSIC is one of the four words in the "Starting with synonyms for "Ilk"" category. While CLASSIC has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Starting with synonyms for "Ilk"".
KINDLE
KINDLE is one of the four words in the "Starting with synonyms for "Ilk"" category. While KINDLE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Starting with synonyms for "Ilk"".
SORTIE
SORTIE is one of the four words in the "Starting with synonyms for "Ilk"" category. While SORTIE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Starting with synonyms for "Ilk"".
TYPEFACE
TYPEFACE is one of the four words in the "Starting with synonyms for "Ilk"" category. While TYPEFACE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Starting with synonyms for "Ilk"".
📊 Difficulty Analysis & Strategy Tips
| Group | Difficulty | Solve Order |
|---|---|---|
| 🟨 Yellow — Alcove | ⭐ Easy | Solve FIRST — the easiest category |
| 🟩 Green — Bodily words for attitude | ⭐⭐ Medium | Solve SECOND |
| 🟦 Blue — Figures in Greek myth | ⭐⭐⭐ Hard | Solve THIRD |
| 🟪 Purple — Starting with synonyms for "Ilk" | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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 June 17, 2026
The answers for NYT Connections Puzzle #1102 (June 17, 2026) are: 🟨 Yellow (Alcove): CAVITY, NICHE, NOOK, RECESS | 🟩 Green (Bodily words for attitude): CHEEK, LIP, MOUTH, NERVE | 🟦 Blue (Figures in Greek myth): CALLIOPE, ECHO, IRIS, NEMESIS | 🟪 Purple (Starting with synonyms for "Ilk"): CLASSIC, KINDLE, SORTIE, TYPEFACE.
The yellow category in today's Connections (June 17, 2026) is "Alcove" and the four answers are CAVITY, NICHE, NOOK, RECESS.
The purple category in today's Connections (June 17, 2026) is "Starting with synonyms for "Ilk"" and the answers are CLASSIC, KINDLE, SORTIE, TYPEFACE.
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 June 17, 2026, there have been 1,102 NYT Connections puzzles since the game launched on June 12, 2023.
🏆 That's Today's NYT Connections Solved — Puzzle #1102
Come back tomorrow for Puzzle #1103 — 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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