Purple group — WET ___
Why is “WILLY” in the Purple group?
a term used to describe a type of wet suit or a character from a children's story
Connections Hints for January 3, 2026 #936
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 3, 2026 #936
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Yellow Category — January 3, 2026
Green Category — January 3, 2026
Blue Category — January 3, 2026
Purple Category — January 3, 2026
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Blue group — RIHANNA #1 HITS
Why is “UMBRELLA” in the Blue group?
a song by Rihanna, featuring Jay-Z, that reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (January 3, 2026)
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.
- MAJOR
- Definition: a military rank
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a field of study or a significant event
- WORK
- Definition: a Rihanna #1 hit song
- Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, including a job or occupation
- GENERAL
- Definition: a high military rank
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to something that is common or widespread
- PRIVATE
- Definition: a low military rank
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to something that is confidential or exclusive
Connections #936 explained
Why these words connect (January 3, 2026)
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: ARMY RANKS
These are all ranks in the military, with varying levels of authority and responsibility. They are used to denote the position of a soldier within the army.
Green group: LEGWEAR IN THE SINGULAR
These are all types of legwear, but each word refers to a single item, rather than a pair. They are all commonly used to describe individual garments.
Blue group: RIHANNA #1 HITS
These are all songs by Rihanna that reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. They are some of her most popular and successful songs.
Purple group: WET ___
These are all phrases that start with the word 'wet', and are used to describe various things, such as a bar, a blanket, or a nurse. They are all common phrases in the English language.
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.
“CAPTAIN”
Seems like it belongs to: RIHANNA #1 HITS
Actually belongs to: ARMY RANKS
Rihanna has a song called 'Captain', but the word 'CAPTAIN' is actually an army rank
“WORK”
Seems like it belongs to: ARMY RANKS
Actually belongs to: RIHANNA #1 HITS
work can be related to the army, but 'WORK' is actually a Rihanna #1 hit song
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “CAPTAIN” didn't go with RIHANNA #1 HITS
Seems like: RIHANNA #1 HITS → Actually: ARMY RANKS
Rihanna has a song called 'Captain', but the word 'CAPTAIN' is actually an army rank
Why “WORK” didn't go with ARMY RANKS
Seems like: ARMY RANKS → Actually: RIHANNA #1 HITS
work can be related to the army, but 'WORK' is actually a Rihanna #1 hit song