NYT Connections Hints, Answers & Help for Jan. 28 (#962)

Looking for help with today’s NYT Connections? The Jan. 28, 2026, puzzle (#962) is a satisfying mix of everyday vocabulary and clever wordplay. None of the groups are brutally unfair, but the purple category still delivers that classic Connections twist.

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🔍 Hints for Today’s NYT Connections Groups

Ranked from easiest (yellow) to trickiest (purple):

• 🟨 Yellow Group Hint: Fake
• 🟩 Green Group Hint: Maids do this
• 🟦 Blue Group Hint: Where you play albums
• 🟪 Purple Group Hint: Extra

If purple feels vague, think of a word that commonly follows “spare.”

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✅ Today’s NYT Connections Answers (Jan. 28, #962)

🟨 Yellow Group — Imitation

• Dummy
• Mock
• Pretend
• Sham

🟩 Green Group — Cleaning Supplies

• Bucket
• Gloves
• Rag
• Soap

🟦 Blue Group — Components of a Record Player

• Motor
• Needle
• Platter
• Tonearm

🟪 Purple Group — Spare ____

• Spare me
• Spare rib
• Spare time
• Spare tire

The purple group works only when you mentally complete the phrase — a classic Connections misdirection.

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🤔 Why Today’s Puzzle Works Well

• Yellow and green are intuitive and reward quick grouping
• Blue appeals to analog tech and music fans
• Purple tests phrase recognition rather than literal meaning

It’s a clean, well-balanced grid that feels fair once the trick is revealed.

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🧠 Pro Tip: Use the Connections Bot

After solving, check out the Connections Bot from The New York Times. It breaks down your solve order, efficiency, and mistakes — great for sharpening your daily strategy.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is today’s NYT Connections puzzle number?

Today’s puzzle is No. 962.

What was the hardest category in today’s Connections?

The purple group, which required completing phrases that start with “spare.”

What are the purple group answers for Jan. 28 Connections?

The answers are me, rib, time, and tire.

Where can I play NYT Connections?

You can play NYT Connections on The New York Times Games website or in the NYT Games app.

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💬 Your Turn

Which group did you solve first — imitation or cleaning supplies?
Did spare time give away the purple group for you?

Drop your solve experience below 👇