NYT Connections Hints for Thursday, July 16, 2026

Thursday, July 16, 2026 puzzle #1131. Today's board groups skincare products, shades of black, things associated with precision, and phrases starting with tiny marks.

Words: JET, INK, PITCH, CHARCOAL, TONER, LASER, CLOCKWORK, EYE CREAM, NEEDLE, PEEL, CLAY MASK, SPOT REMOVER, PERIOD PIECE, POINT BREAK, DOT MATRIX, BULLSEYE

Spoiler-safe Connections hints

Yellow hint

Look for items that might appear in a facial-care routine.

Reveal Yellow category and answer

Skincare products: CLAY MASK, EYE CREAM, PEEL, TONER

Clay mask, eye cream, peel, and toner are all products used in skincare routines.

Green hint

Think of words used to describe a very dark color.

Reveal Green category and answer

Shades of black: CHARCOAL, INK, JET, PITCH

Charcoal, ink, jet, and pitch can each describe a shade or quality of black.

Blue hint

Picture objects or ideas known for exactness and accuracy.

Reveal Blue category and answer

Associated with precision: BULLSEYE, CLOCKWORK, LASER, NEEDLE

A bullseye, clockwork mechanism, laser, and needle are all associated with precision.

Purple hint

Focus on the first word of each two-word phrase and picture a very small mark.

Reveal Purple category and answer

Starting with tiny marks: DOT MATRIX, PERIOD PIECE, POINT BREAK, SPOT REMOVER