NYT Connections Hints and Answers for July 26, 2025 (Puzzle #776)
NYT Connections puzzle #776 for July 26, 2025 – Check hints, answers, and strategies to solve today’s tricky word groupings with ease.
image for illustrative purpose

The NYT Connections puzzle continues to captivate word game enthusiasts with its unique approach to logic and word association. Unlike conventional word games, Connections challenges players to group 16 words into four sets of four, each linked by a common theme.
The July 26, 2025 puzzle (#776) stood out with its tricky combinations, testing both vocabulary and pattern recognition skills. Here’s a complete breakdown of today’s puzzle, including hints, answers, and tips to help you master future challenges.
What is NYT Connections?
Connections is a daily puzzle from The New York Times that tasks players with identifying thematic relationships among words. The game is color-coded for difficulty:
- Yellow – Easy
- Green & Blue – Moderate
- Purple – Hard
Players must correctly organize all 16 words into 4 groups, using both logical reasoning and lateral thinking.
Hints for NYT Connections – July 26, 2025
If you need a little push without seeing the full solution, here are the category hints:
- Yellow Group: Colonel Sanders relies on 11 of these.
- Green Group: It’s tough to be this hue.
- Blue Group: Start by buying sturdy shoes.
- Purple Group: Big cities, but trimmed down.
Today’s Categories
- Yellow: Spices
- Green: Color
- Blue: Running
- Purple: Cities
NYT Connections Answers – July 26, 2025
Here are the answers for Puzzle #776, with each set grouped by its theme:
- Yellow (Spices): ANISE, DILL, MACE, SAGE
- Green (Color): BOTTLE, HUNTER, KELLY, PEA
- Blue (Running): HIKE, MARCH, TRAMP, TREK
- Purple (Cities): COPE, LUXE, SARA, WARS
How to Play NYT Connections
- Analyze the Grid: Look for obvious links between the 16 words.
- Form Groups: Select four words you believe belong together and hit “Submit.”
- Check Feedback: Correct groups lock in, while wrong guesses cost you one life.
- Finish the Puzzle: Solve all four groups before your four lives run out.
Tips and Strategies
- Start with obvious themes like spices, animals, or professions.
- Eliminate solved words to narrow down the remaining connections.
- Think creatively—themes can include puns, cultural references, or abbreviations.
- Learn patterns over time to improve your solving speed.
Why is NYT Connections So Popular?
Its mix of logic, wordplay, and daily challenges makes Connections a refreshing puzzle compared to traditional crosswords. The game’s balance of easy and hard categories keeps players engaged and coming back every day.