Today's hints
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The answer
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Why this answer
The letters, categories, or grid logic that made this one tricky.
What made this one tricky:
- Connections is category-first: read the group labels as the answer, then use the listed cards to confirm no near-miss word belongs in a different color set.
SKINCARE PRODUCTS is the most direct group: CLAY MASK, EYE CREAM, PEEL, and TONER. CHARCOAL, INK, JET, and PITCH are shades of black; BULLSEYE, CLOCKWORK, LASER, and NEEDLE point to precision; and the purple group hides tiny-mark starters: DOT, PERIOD, POINT, and SPOT.
Recent Connections answers
Stuck on a streak day? Past solves keep you moving.
Catching up? Here are the most recent solutions.
| Date | Puzzle | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Wed, Jul 15, 2026 | Connections #1130 | TERMS FOR THE LEGAL SYSTEM / THINGS WITH LACES / KINDS OF SPORTS / WORDS BEFORE ROOM TO INDICATE EXTRA SPACE |
| Tue, Jul 14, 2026 | Connections #1129 | CONTRACT / EDIT MENU OPTIONS / KINDS OF BASKETS / SYMBOLIZED WITH ARROWS |
| Mon, Jul 13, 2026 | Connections #1128 | INTERROGATE / THINGS WITH HANDLES / FICTIONAL CATS / STARTING WITH SMOOCHES |
More from the desk
The main trap is that PEEL and SPOT REMOVER can both feel cosmetic. Clear the direct skincare set first, then look at the opening words to unlock the purple group.
FAQ
What are today's NYT Connections answers for July 16, 2026?
The groups are Skincare products; Shades of black; Associated with precision; and Starting with tiny marks.
What is today's Connections puzzle number?
Today's Connections puzzle is #1131.
What was the hardest Connections category today?
The purple category was Starting with tiny marks: DOT MATRIX, PERIOD PIECE, POINT BREAK, and SPOT REMOVER.
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