Enjoying our puzzle hints?

Support independent coverage of NYT games and keep the hints flowing.

Buy me a coffee

Connections Hints for January 22, 2024 #224

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for January 22, 2024 #224

Want to see NYT Connections hints? Below you'll find complete solutions and explanations. Want to try solving it yourself first? Visit the NYT Connections game 2024-01-22. Looking for today's NYT Connections hint? Head to our home page or play today's connection game here.

Navigation tip: Use the arrows below to browse through past puzzles. Each puzzle is organized from easiest (yellow) to hardest (purple) categories.

Yellow Category — January 22, 2024

Green Category — January 22, 2024

Blue Category — January 22, 2024

Purple Category — January 22, 2024

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Yellow group — SYMBOLIC RODS

Why is “SCEPTER” in the Yellow group?

a staff or rod, especially one used as a symbol of royal or imperial authority

Green group — DENTAL TERMS

Why is “PLAQUE” in the Green group?

a sticky deposit on teeth, or a flat, usually commemorative plate or tablet

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (January 22, 2024)

Several words in today's puzzle have multiple meanings or obscure definitions that can throw you off. Here's what each one means in the context of this Connections grid.

BATON
Definition: a staff or rod, especially one used as a symbol of authority
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a stick used in relay racing
STAFF
Definition: a long, straight stick or rod, especially one used as a support or symbol of authority
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a group of employees or workers
LEAP
Definition: a year that includes February 29th
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a sudden, energetic movement
LIGHT
Definition: a year of study, especially at a university
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a source of illumination or a lack of weight

Connections #224 explained

Why these words connect (January 22, 2024)

Understanding the logic behind each group helps you spot similar patterns in future puzzles. Here's the reasoning for every category in today's Connections.

Yellow group: SYMBOLIC RODS

These are all objects used to represent power or authority, often carried by important figures such as kings or conductors

Green group: DENTAL TERMS

These are all terms used in dentistry to describe common issues or procedures, such as fillings or crowns

Blue group: RUBBER STAMP WORDS

These are all words commonly used on rubber stamps to indicate approval or status, such as 'approved' or 'paid'

Purple group: ___ YEAR

These are all words that can complete the phrase '___ year', such as 'gap year' or 'leap year'

Red herrings and trap words explained

These words were designed to mislead you. Understanding why they don't belong where you first think sharpens your game for tomorrow.

STAFF

Seems like it belongs to: RUBBER STAMP WORDS

Actually belongs to: SYMBOLIC RODS

while a staff can be a group of employees, in this context it refers to a symbolic rod

LIGHT

Seems like it belongs to: RUBBER STAMP WORDS

Actually belongs to: ___ YEAR

while light can be a word used on a rubber stamp, in this context it refers to a year of study

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.

Why “STAFF” didn't go with RUBBER STAMP WORDS

Seems like: RUBBER STAMP WORDS → Actually: SYMBOLIC RODS

while a staff can be a group of employees, in this context it refers to a symbolic rod

Why “LIGHT” didn't go with RUBBER STAMP WORDS

Seems like: RUBBER STAMP WORDS → Actually: ___ YEAR

while light can be a word used on a rubber stamp, in this context it refers to a year of study

Browse by Date

2026

March

Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
12