> At a Glance
> – Jan 7, 2026 NYT Connections puzzle rates “rather tricky”
> – Purple category “pressed using a press” baffles solvers
> – Yellow: Doppelgänger | Green: Portion | Blue: Flag symbols
> – Why it matters: Daily stats now track streaks, wins, and perfect games for registered Times gamers
Thursday’s grid delivered a stiff challenge, with the purple set stumping even seasoned solvers. Below, every answer and clue you need to keep your streak alive.
Puzzle Breakdown
The Times rates today’s board “rather tricky,” spotlighting the purple category as the biggest hurdle. Players who finish can visit the new Connections Bot for a numeric score and full answer review.
Registered users now see:
- Puzzles completed
- Win rate & perfect-score tally
- Current streak
Clues by Difficulty
| Color | Hint | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | Lookalikes | Doppelgänger |
| Green | Part of something | Portion |
| Blue | National symbol | Common flag symbols |
| Purple | Squish down | Pressed using a press |
Today’s Answers
Yellow – Doppelgänger: clone, double, mirror, ringer
Green – Portion: concern, interest, share, stake
Blue – Common flag symbols: crescent, cross, star, stripe
Purple – Pressed using a press: cider, garlic, trousers, wine
Key Takeaways
- Purple theme ties everyday items made with a press
- Blue set unites icons found on world flags
- Green words all denote a slice or stake in something
- Yellow group plays on near-identical doubles
Bookmark the daily guide for fresh hints and answers to Connections, Mini Crossword, Wordle, Connections: Sports Edition, and Strands.
