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Connections Hints for June 9, 2026 #1093

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for June 9, 2026 #1093

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 2026-06-09. 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 — June 9, 2026

Green Category — June 9, 2026

Blue Category — June 9, 2026

Purple Category — June 9, 2026

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Green group — SLANG FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Why is “SKINS” in the Green group?

a slang term for drums

Blue group — THINGS REPRESENTED IN SUPERSCRIPT

Why is “TRADEMARK” in the Blue group?

a symbol represented in superscript to indicate a brand's intellectual property

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (June 9, 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.

BONE
Definition: a trombone
Why it's tricky: can refer to a human skeletal part
KEYS
Definition: a keyboard or piano
Why it's tricky: can refer to physical keys or encryption keys
DEGREE
Definition: a symbol represented in superscript
Why it's tricky: can refer to an academic degree or a unit of measurement
AXE
Definition: a guitar
Why it's tricky: can refer to a tool for chopping wood

Connections #1093 explained

Why these words connect (June 9, 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: SYMBOLS OF INNOCENCE

These words are all symbols of innocence, often used in religious or cultural contexts to represent purity and virtue. They are commonly associated with gentle and harmless creatures or concepts.

Green group: THINGS YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO REVEAL

These words are all things that are typically kept secret or hidden from others, such as passwords, surprises, or confidential information. They are often associated with privacy and discretion.

Blue group: THINGS REPRESENTED IN SUPERSCRIPT

These words are all things that are often represented in superscript, such as mathematical notation, symbols, or abbreviations. They are commonly used in academic, technical, or formal writing.

Purple group: SLANG FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

These words are all slang terms for musical instruments, often used in informal or colloquial contexts. They are commonly used by musicians or music enthusiasts to refer to their instruments.

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.

BABE

Seems like it belongs to: SLANG FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Actually belongs to: SYMBOLS OF INNOCENCE

BABE can be a slang term, but in this context, it refers to a symbol of innocence

SECRET

Seems like it belongs to: THINGS REPRESENTED IN SUPERSCRIPT

Actually belongs to: THINGS YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO REVEAL

SECRET can be represented in various ways, but in this context, it refers to confidential information

SURPRISE

Seems like it belongs to: SLANG FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Actually belongs to: THINGS YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO REVEAL

SURPRISE can be a musical concept, but in this context, it refers to an unexpected event or gift

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “BABE” didn't go with SLANG FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Seems like: SLANG FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS → Actually: SYMBOLS OF INNOCENCE

BABE can be a slang term, but in this context, it refers to a symbol of innocence

Why “SECRET” didn't go with THINGS REPRESENTED IN SUPERSCRIPT

Seems like: THINGS REPRESENTED IN SUPERSCRIPT → Actually: THINGS YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO REVEAL

SECRET can be represented in various ways, but in this context, it refers to confidential information

Why “SURPRISE” didn't go with SLANG FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Seems like: SLANG FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS → Actually: THINGS YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO REVEAL

SURPRISE can be a musical concept, but in this context, it refers to an unexpected event or gift

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