Today's Connections answer
Connections Answer Detail
NYT Connections #173 Answers
Reveal the four groups gradually for the Monday, October 12, 2026 puzzle, from a light hint to each category and word.
Monday, October 12, 2026Puzzle #173Updated Oct 1, 2026, 2:46 PM UTC
Connections spoiler warning
Every answer is available below, but hints, categories, and words stay covered until you choose to reveal them.
Yellow Group (Easiest)
Start with the most direct everyday meanings. This set usually has the cleanest shared idea.
STATUS
Green Group (Easy)
Look for a shared family, type, or common phrase that is one step beyond the obvious meanings.
TOLERATE
Blue Group (Medium)
Think more broadly: titles, culture, proper nouns, and specialized labels can all be fair game.
WORD SHORTENINGS, OFTEN
Purple Group (Hardest)
Expect wordplay. Sounds, hidden pieces, letter changes, or phrase endings may matter more than definitions.
WORDS MADE USING U.S. POSTAL ABBREVIATIONS
The 16 Connections Words
CALAMARI
MANDARIN
STATE
ABBREVIATION
NICKNAME
HANDLE
SHAPE
WEATHER
CONDITION
CONTRACTION
SITUATION
BEAR
ALKYLAMIDE
STAND
ELISION
MELAMINE