NYT Connections Hints and Answers — Wednesday, June 24, 2026 (Puzzle #1109)
Written by Ranjit Kumar — Lead Editor & Puzzle Architect
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🧩 NYT Connections Answers Today — June 24, 2026 (Puzzle #1109)
Here are the complete answers for today's NYT Connections puzzle, Wednesday, June 24, 2026:
- 🟨 Yellow – PROG BANDS: GENESIS, KING CRIMSON, PINK FLOYD, RUSH
- 🟩 Green – CLASSIC WEDDING GIFTS: CHINA, LUGGAGE, MONEY, TOASTER
- 🟦 Blue – RED CHARACTERS: CLIFFORD, DEADPOOL, KOOL-AID MAN, MR. KRABS
- 🟪 Purple – RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS: CHICK FLICK, HELTER SKELTER, HUMPTY DUMPTY, MUMBO JUMBO
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 24, 2026. If you're stuck on Puzzle #1109, 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 #1109
- Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
- Puzzle Number: #1109
- Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐ (Medium)
- Trickiest Category: Purple — RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS
- Easiest Category: Yellow — PROG BANDS
- Red Herring Warning: KING CRIMSON might trick players into looking for royalty or color traits due to the word "Crimson," tempting you to lump it with CLIFFORD or MR. KRABS before realizing it anchors the legendary rock category. Similarly, CHINA could be mistaken for a country or flag category.
📖 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 24, 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.
CLIFFORD Connections Hint Today
CLIFFORD belongs to the Blue group ("RED CHARACTERS"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "RED CHARACTERS".
Definition: CLIFFORD is one of the four words in the "RED CHARACTERS" category. While CLIFFORD has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "RED CHARACTERS".
RUSH Connections Hint Today
RUSH belongs to the Yellow group ("PROG BANDS"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "PROG BANDS".
Definition: RUSH is one of the four words in the "PROG BANDS" category. While RUSH has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "PROG BANDS".
MONEY Connections Hint Today
MONEY belongs to the Green group ("CLASSIC WEDDING GIFTS"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "CLASSIC WEDDING GIFTS".
Definition: MONEY is one of the four words in the "CLASSIC WEDDING GIFTS" category. While MONEY has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "CLASSIC WEDDING GIFTS".
KING CRIMSON Connections Hint Today
KING CRIMSON belongs to the Yellow group ("PROG BANDS"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "PROG BANDS".
Definition: KING CRIMSON is one of the four words in the "PROG BANDS" category. While KING CRIMSON has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "PROG BANDS".
LUGGAGE Connections Hint Today
LUGGAGE belongs to the Green group ("CLASSIC WEDDING GIFTS"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "CLASSIC WEDDING GIFTS".
Definition: LUGGAGE is one of the four words in the "CLASSIC WEDDING GIFTS" category. While LUGGAGE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "CLASSIC WEDDING GIFTS".
DEADPOOL Connections Hint Today
DEADPOOL belongs to the Blue group ("RED CHARACTERS"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "RED CHARACTERS".
Definition: DEADPOOL is one of the four words in the "RED CHARACTERS" category. While DEADPOOL has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "RED CHARACTERS".
HELTER SKELTER Connections Hint Today
HELTER SKELTER belongs to the Purple group ("RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS".
Definition: HELTER SKELTER is one of the four words in the "RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS" category. While HELTER SKELTER has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS".
GENESIS Connections Hint Today
GENESIS belongs to the Yellow group ("PROG BANDS"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "PROG BANDS".
Definition: GENESIS is one of the four words in the "PROG BANDS" category. While GENESIS has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "PROG BANDS".
CHINA Connections Hint Today
CHINA belongs to the Green group ("CLASSIC WEDDING GIFTS"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "CLASSIC WEDDING GIFTS".
Definition: CHINA is one of the four words in the "CLASSIC WEDDING GIFTS" category. While CHINA has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "CLASSIC WEDDING GIFTS".
CHICK FLICK Connections Hint Today
CHICK FLICK belongs to the Purple group ("RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS".
Definition: CHICK FLICK is one of the four words in the "RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS" category. While CHICK FLICK has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS".
PINK FLOYD Connections Hint Today
PINK FLOYD belongs to the Yellow group ("PROG BANDS"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "PROG BANDS".
Definition: PINK FLOYD is one of the four words in the "PROG BANDS" category. While PINK FLOYD has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "PROG BANDS".
TOASTER Connections Hint Today
TOASTER belongs to the Green group ("CLASSIC WEDDING GIFTS"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "CLASSIC WEDDING GIFTS".
Definition: TOASTER is one of the four words in the "CLASSIC WEDDING GIFTS" category. While TOASTER has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "CLASSIC WEDDING GIFTS".
MUMBO JUMBO Connections Hint Today
MUMBO JUMBO belongs to the Purple group ("RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS".
Definition: MUMBO JUMBO is one of the four words in the "RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS" category. While MUMBO JUMBO has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS".
HUMPTY DUMPTY Connections Hint Today
HUMPTY DUMPTY belongs to the Purple group ("RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS".
Definition: HUMPTY DUMPTY is one of the four words in the "RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS" category. While HUMPTY DUMPTY has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS".
KOOL-AID MAN Connections Hint Today
KOOL-AID MAN belongs to the Blue group ("RED CHARACTERS"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "RED CHARACTERS".
Definition: KOOL-AID MAN is one of the four words in the "RED CHARACTERS" category. While KOOL-AID MAN has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "RED CHARACTERS".
MR. KRABS Connections Hint Today
MR. KRABS belongs to the Blue group ("RED CHARACTERS"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "RED CHARACTERS".
Definition: MR. KRABS is one of the four words in the "RED CHARACTERS" category. While MR. KRABS has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "RED CHARACTERS".
CLIFFORD belongs to the Blue group ("RED CHARACTERS"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "RED CHARACTERS".
⚠️ Red Herring Alert: KING CRIMSON might trick players into looking for royalty or color traits due to the word "Crimson," tempting you to lump it with CLIFFORD or MR. KRABS before realizing it anchors the legendary rock category. Similarly, CHINA could be mistaken for a country or flag category.
💡 Spoiler-Free Hints — NYT Connections June 24, 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: Legendary rock groups from the late 20th century known for long, complex compositions and pioneering progressive music.
🟩 Green Group Hint
Theme Hint: Traditional items, household objects, or contributions commonly found on a wedding registry for newlywed couples.
🟦 Blue Group Hint
Theme Hint: Well-known fictional pop culture figures, mascots, or animated personalities who all share the exact same primary body color.
🟪 Purple Group Hint
Theme Hint: Two-word hyphenated or compound expressions where both parts feature a perfectly matching, playful rhyming sound pattern.
🔓 Reveal Answers Progressively
Reveal each group step-by-step. Click "See Hint", then "See Group Name", then individual words.
Yellow Connections Hint Today
Legendary rock groups from the late 20th century known for long, complex compositions and pioneering progressive music.
Green Connections Hint Today
Traditional items, household objects, or contributions commonly found on a wedding registry for newlywed couples.
Blue Connections Hint Today
Well-known fictional pop culture figures, mascots, or animated personalities who all share the exact same primary body color.
Purple Connections Hint Today
Two-word hyphenated or compound expressions where both parts feature a perfectly matching, playful rhyming sound pattern.
⚠️ 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.
KING CRIMSON might trick players into looking for royalty or color traits due to the word "Crimson," tempting you to lump it with CLIFFORD or MR. KRABS before realizing it anchors the legendary rock category. Similarly, CHINA could be mistaken for a country or flag category.
Words like GENESIS and CHINA might seem related at first glance, but they belong to completely different categories. GENESIS is part of "PROG BANDS" while CHINA belongs to "CLASSIC WEDDING GIFTS". Don't group them together.
Words like GENESIS and CLIFFORD might seem related at first glance, but they belong to completely different categories. GENESIS is part of "PROG BANDS" while CLIFFORD belongs to "RED CHARACTERS". Don't group them together.
Words like GENESIS and CHICK FLICK might seem related at first glance, but they belong to completely different categories. GENESIS is part of "PROG BANDS" while CHICK FLICK belongs to "RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS". 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
PROG BANDS
🟩 Green
CLASSIC WEDDING GIFTS
🟦 Blue
RED CHARACTERS
🟪 Purple
RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS
🔥 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 | GENESIS, KING CRIMSON | What other words fit the "PROG BANDS" theme? |
| 🟩 Green | CHINA, LUGGAGE | What other words fit the "CLASSIC WEDDING GIFTS" theme? |
| 🟦 Blue | CLIFFORD, DEADPOOL | What other words fit the "RED CHARACTERS" theme? |
| 🟪 Purple | CHICK FLICK, HELTER SKELTER | What other words fit the "RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS" theme? |
✅ Full Answers — NYT Connections Today, June 24, 2026 (Puzzle #1109)
Here are the complete NYT Connections answers for today, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. Puzzle #1109 is fully solved below.
🟨 Yellow — PROG BANDS
🟩 Green — CLASSIC WEDDING GIFTS
🟦 Blue — RED CHARACTERS
🟪 Purple — RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS
🔍 Per-Word Explanations — Every Answer Defined
Let's dive deep into every word in today's Connections Puzzle #1109 — what each word means, why it belongs to its group, and how the puzzle uses it.
🟨 Yellow (Easiest) — PROG BANDS
The easiest category is "PROG BANDS". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
GENESIS
GENESIS is one of the four words in the "PROG BANDS" category. While GENESIS has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "PROG BANDS".
KING CRIMSON
KING CRIMSON is one of the four words in the "PROG BANDS" category. While KING CRIMSON has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "PROG BANDS".
PINK FLOYD
PINK FLOYD is one of the four words in the "PROG BANDS" category. While PINK FLOYD has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "PROG BANDS".
RUSH
RUSH is one of the four words in the "PROG BANDS" category. While RUSH has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "PROG BANDS".
🟩 Green (Medium) — CLASSIC WEDDING GIFTS
The medium category is "CLASSIC WEDDING GIFTS". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
CHINA
CHINA is one of the four words in the "CLASSIC WEDDING GIFTS" category. While CHINA has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "CLASSIC WEDDING GIFTS".
LUGGAGE
LUGGAGE is one of the four words in the "CLASSIC WEDDING GIFTS" category. While LUGGAGE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "CLASSIC WEDDING GIFTS".
MONEY
MONEY is one of the four words in the "CLASSIC WEDDING GIFTS" category. While MONEY has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "CLASSIC WEDDING GIFTS".
TOASTER
TOASTER is one of the four words in the "CLASSIC WEDDING GIFTS" category. While TOASTER has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "CLASSIC WEDDING GIFTS".
🟦 Blue (Hard) — RED CHARACTERS
The hard category is "RED CHARACTERS". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
CLIFFORD
CLIFFORD is one of the four words in the "RED CHARACTERS" category. While CLIFFORD has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "RED CHARACTERS".
DEADPOOL
DEADPOOL is one of the four words in the "RED CHARACTERS" category. While DEADPOOL has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "RED CHARACTERS".
KOOL-AID MAN
KOOL-AID MAN is one of the four words in the "RED CHARACTERS" category. While KOOL-AID MAN has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "RED CHARACTERS".
MR. KRABS
MR. KRABS is one of the four words in the "RED CHARACTERS" category. While MR. KRABS has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "RED CHARACTERS".
🟪 Purple (Hardest) — RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS
The hardest category is "RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
CHICK FLICK
CHICK FLICK is one of the four words in the "RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS" category. While CHICK FLICK has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS".
HELTER SKELTER
HELTER SKELTER is one of the four words in the "RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS" category. While HELTER SKELTER has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS".
HUMPTY DUMPTY
HUMPTY DUMPTY is one of the four words in the "RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS" category. While HUMPTY DUMPTY has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS".
MUMBO JUMBO
MUMBO JUMBO is one of the four words in the "RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS" category. While MUMBO JUMBO has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS".
📊 Difficulty Analysis & Strategy Tips
| Group | Difficulty | Solve Order |
|---|---|---|
| 🟨 Yellow — PROG BANDS | ⭐ Easy | Solve FIRST — the easiest category |
| 🟩 Green — CLASSIC WEDDING GIFTS | ⭐⭐ Medium | Solve SECOND |
| 🟦 Blue — RED CHARACTERS | ⭐⭐⭐ Hard | Solve THIRD |
| 🟪 Purple — RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Hard | Solve LAST or by elimination |
🎯 Pro Strategy for Puzzle #1109
Sort out the rhythmic, rhyming compound expressions first, as they stand out structurally on the board. Then, separate the famous rock bands from the household registry items to naturally leave the bright red fictional characters together for the final connection.
🎮 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 24, 2026
The answers for NYT Connections Puzzle #1109 (June 24, 2026) are: 🟨 Yellow (PROG BANDS): GENESIS, KING CRIMSON, PINK FLOYD, RUSH | 🟩 Green (CLASSIC WEDDING GIFTS): CHINA, LUGGAGE, MONEY, TOASTER | 🟦 Blue (RED CHARACTERS): CLIFFORD, DEADPOOL, KOOL-AID MAN, MR. KRABS | 🟪 Purple (RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS): CHICK FLICK, HELTER SKELTER, HUMPTY DUMPTY, MUMBO JUMBO.
The yellow category in today's Connections (June 24, 2026) is "PROG BANDS" and the four answers are GENESIS, KING CRIMSON, PINK FLOYD, RUSH.
The purple category in today's Connections (June 24, 2026) is "RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS" and the answers are CHICK FLICK, HELTER SKELTER, HUMPTY DUMPTY, MUMBO JUMBO.
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 24, 2026, there have been 1,109 NYT Connections puzzles since the game launched on June 12, 2023.
🏆 That's Today's NYT Connections Solved — Puzzle #1109
Come back tomorrow for Puzzle #1110 — 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.