Purple group — ENDING IN U.S. COINS
Why is “CEFTAZIDIME” in the Purple group?
a type of antibiotic that ends with the word 'dime', which is a U.S. coin
Connections Hints for January 12, 2026 #945
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 12, 2026 #945
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 2026-01-12. 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 12, 2026
Green Category — January 12, 2026
Blue Category — January 12, 2026
Purple Category — January 12, 2026
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Purple group — ENDING IN U.S. COINS
Why is “PUMPERNICKEL” in the Purple group?
a type of bread that ends with the word 'nickel', which is a U.S. coin
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (January 12, 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.
- COMPACT
- Definition: a formal agreement
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a small car or a type of makeup
- CONSOLE
- Definition: a piece of furniture
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a gaming console or a computer terminal
- HEADQUARTER
- Definition: the main location of a company or organization
- Why it's tricky: ends with a word that is also a U.S. coin, but is not the intended connection
- PUMPERNICKEL
- Definition: a type of bread
- Why it's tricky: ends with the word 'nickel', which is a U.S. coin
Connections #945 explained
Why these words connect (January 12, 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: LIVING ROOM FURNITURE
These are all common pieces of furniture found in a living room, including seating and storage options.
Green group: EXPERIENCE LEVELS
These are all terms used to describe different levels of experience or skill, from beginner to advanced.
Blue group: PROMISE
These are all ways to make a promise or commitment, including formal agreements and informal understandings.
Purple group: ENDING IN U.S. COINS
These are all words that end with the names of U.S. coins, including dime, quarter, and penny.
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.
“HEADQUARTER”
Seems like it belongs to: LIVING ROOM FURNITURE
Actually belongs to: ENDING IN U.S. COINS
The word 'quarter' is a type of room, but in this case, it's the last part of the word 'headquarter' that connects it to the U.S. coin category.
“MONEYPENNY”
Seems like it belongs to: PROMISE
Actually belongs to: ENDING IN U.S. COINS
The word 'penny' is a U.S. coin, which connects it to the 'ENDING IN U.S. COINS' category, not the 'PROMISE' category.
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “HEADQUARTER” didn't go with LIVING ROOM FURNITURE
Seems like: LIVING ROOM FURNITURE → Actually: ENDING IN U.S. COINS
The word 'quarter' is a type of room, but in this case, it's the last part of the word 'headquarter' that connects it to the U.S. coin category.
Why “MONEYPENNY” didn't go with PROMISE
Seems like: PROMISE → Actually: ENDING IN U.S. COINS
The word 'penny' is a U.S. coin, which connects it to the 'ENDING IN U.S. COINS' category, not the 'PROMISE' category.