New York Times Connections puzzle hints for June 17‑18, 2026

The New York Times daily word game Connections released two puzzles in mid‑June 2026. The June 17 edition featured four category groups – “Crevice”, “Getting smart”, “Ancient folklore” and “Classification” – with solution words such as CAVITY, NICHE, NOOK, RECESS; CHEEK, LIP, MOUTH, NERVE; CALLIOPE, ECHO, IRIS, NEMESIS; and CLASSIC, KINDLE, SORTIE, TYPE. The June 18 edition used different themes – fitness class types, demeanor, peace activists and tools with the final‑letter removal – yielding answers AEROBICS, BARRE, BOOTCAMP, PILATES; ATTITUDE, BEARING, CARRIAGE, PRESENCE; GANDHI, KING, MANDELA, TUTU; and HAMM, JIGS, PLIE, WREN. The articles describe the game’s mechanics: 16 words are presented, players group four words that share a common thread, with categories colour‑coded from easiest (yellow) to hardest (purple). The hints aim to help solvers before the daily reset at midnight.