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NYT Connections Hints and Answers — Wednesday, June 24, 2026 (Puzzle #1109)

Written by Ranjit Kumar — Lead Editor & Puzzle Architect

Ranjit is a lifelong puzzle enthusiast and the creator of ConnectionsSports.com. He has analyzed 1,000+ Connections puzzles and helps thousands of daily players master the game.

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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.

🔮 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 CONNECTIONS HINT

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.

  1. Yellow Connections Hint Today

    Legendary rock groups from the late 20th century known for long, complex compositions and pioneering progressive music.

  2. Green Connections Hint Today

    Traditional items, household objects, or contributions commonly found on a wedding registry for newlywed couples.

  3. Blue Connections Hint Today

    Well-known fictional pop culture figures, mascots, or animated personalities who all share the exact same primary body color.

  4. 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.

🎯 Editor's 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.

GENESIS, KING CRIMSON, CHINA, LUGGAGE

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.

GENESIS, KING CRIMSON, CLIFFORD, DEADPOOL

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.

GENESIS, KING CRIMSON, CHICK FLICK, HELTER SKELTER

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

GENESISKING CRIMSONPINK FLOYDRUSH

🟩 Green — CLASSIC WEDDING GIFTS

CHINALUGGAGEMONEYTOASTER

🟦 Blue — RED CHARACTERS

CLIFFORDDEADPOOLKOOL-AID MANMR. KRABS

🟪 Purple — RHYMING COMPOUND WORDS

CHICK FLICKHELTER SKELTERHUMPTY DUMPTYMUMBO JUMBO

🔍 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.

❓ 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.

Ranjit Kumar

Ranjit Kumar

Lead Editor & Puzzle Architect. Ranjit is a lifelong puzzle enthusiast who has analyzed 1,000+ Connections puzzles and helps thousands of daily players master the game.