Today's Connections answer
Connections Answer Detail
NYT Connections #86 Answers
Reveal the four groups gradually for the Friday, July 17, 2026 puzzle, from a light hint to each category and word.
Friday, July 17, 2026Puzzle #86Updated Jul 17, 2026, 7:00 AM 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.
GRAND FINALE
Green Group (Easy)
Look for a shared family, type, or common phrase that is one step beyond the obvious meanings.
SEEN IN AN ARCADE
Blue Group (Medium)
Think more broadly: titles, culture, proper nouns, and specialized labels can all be fair game.
FOUR GROUPS OF FOUR
Purple Group (Hardest)
Expect wordplay. Sounds, hidden pieces, letter changes, or phrase endings may matter more than definitions.
ENDING IN PARTS OF A CAR
The 16 Connections Words
CRANE GAME
SATIRES
TICKETS
CARDINAL DIRECTIONS
SWAN SONG
SUITS
ROBIN HOOD
PLOT SPOILER
TREE TRUNK
TOKENS
SEASONS
EPILOGUE
LAST DANCE
CLASSICAL ELEMENTS
FAREWELL
PINBALL