The New York Times Connections puzzle, a daily brain teaser that challenges players to group words into four categories, released its latest iteration on Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026. The game, known for its engaging yet sometimes difficult nature, offers a strategic test of vocabulary and associative thinking.
For those seeking assistance, Rock Paper Shotgun provides daily guidance, including subtle hints and full answers for the puzzle. The hints for the September 2nd edition suggest categories related to astonishment, musical instruments found in a violin case, types of dogs that are actual dogs, and types of "dogs" that are not canine.
Specific hints included 'astonishing' for the yellow category, 'tools in a musician's kit' for green, and "these dogs actually passed the bark test" for blue. The purple category was hinted at with "these one's didn't," implying a distinction from the blue group.
As the puzzle progresses, more direct clues are offered. The yellow group's theme is 'Flabbergast,' with example words including Dazzle, Floor, Stun, and Wow. The green group, themed 'Things in a Violin Case,' comprises Bow, Mute, Rosin, and Shoulder Rest. The blue group, titled '___ Dogs (That Are Dogs),' includes Hunting, Rescue, Sausage, and Sheep. Finally, the purple group, '___ Dogs (That Aren't Dogs),' consists of Corn, Prairie, Salty, and Top.
The puzzle's creator noted that separating the literal dogs from the metaphorical "dogs" proved particularly engaging. Like other popular daily word games, a new Connections puzzle becomes available each day at midnight, offering a continuous challenge for its player base.