Green group — PASTA SHAPES
Why is “RIBBON” in the Green group?
a type of pasta shape, often used in salads
Connections Hints for January 25, 2026 #958
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 25, 2026 #958
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 2026-01-25. 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 25, 2026
Green Category — January 25, 2026
Blue Category — January 25, 2026
Purple Category — January 25, 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 — SUFFIXES
Why is “DOM” in the Purple group?
a suffix forming a noun, often used in domain names
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (January 25, 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.
- SUB
- Definition: a substitute or replacement
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a submarine
- MENU
- Definition: a list of options on a computer
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a list of food options
- SHIP
- Definition: a suffix forming a noun
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a vessel
- COVER
- Definition: to act as a backup
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a physical covering
Connections #958 explained
Why these words connect (January 25, 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: ACT AS A BACKUP
These words all describe actions or roles that provide backup or support, such as covering for someone or filling in a gap.
Green group: PC KEYBOARD KEYS
These words all describe keys found on a standard PC keyboard, used for various functions such as entering text or accessing menus.
Blue group: PASTA SHAPES
These words all describe different shapes of pasta, such as bowtie or tube shapes.
Purple group: SUFFIXES
These words all describe suffixes that can be added to words to form nouns, such as -ate or -ship.
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.
“MENU”
Seems like it belongs to: PASTA SHAPES
Actually belongs to: PC KEYBOARD KEYS
while menu can refer to a list of food options, in this context it refers to a computer keyboard key
“SUB”
Seems like it belongs to: PASTA SHAPES
Actually belongs to: ACT AS A BACKUP
while sub can refer to a type of sandwich, in this context it refers to a substitute or replacement
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “MENU” didn't go with PASTA SHAPES
Seems like: PASTA SHAPES → Actually: PC KEYBOARD KEYS
while menu can refer to a list of food options, in this context it refers to a computer keyboard key
Why “SUB” didn't go with PASTA SHAPES
Seems like: PASTA SHAPES → Actually: ACT AS A BACKUP
while sub can refer to a type of sandwich, in this context it refers to a substitute or replacement