NYT Connections Hints for 2026-09-02 — Puzzle #1179
Sixteen words, four hidden categories. Hints reveal structure, then the grouping.
1. The shape of the puzzle
There are 4 categories of 4 words each (16 words total).
2. The four themes, masked
Each theme below keeps its word shapes and the first letter of every word:
F _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _T _ _ _ _ _ I _ A V _ _ _ _ _ C _ _ _D _ _ _ T _ _ _ A _ _ D _ _ _D _ _ _ T _ _ _ A _ _ _ _ D _ _ _
3. Reveal a theme, one at a time
Show theme 1
FLABBERGAST
Show theme 2
THINGS IN A VIOLIN CASE
Show theme 3
___ DOGS (THAT ARE DOGS)
Show theme 4
___ DOGS (THAT AREN'T DOGS)
NYT Connections answer for 2026-09-02
FLABBERGAST
WOW, FLOOR, DAZZLE, STUN
THINGS IN A VIOLIN CASE
BOW, ROSIN, SHOULDER REST, MUTE
___ DOGS (THAT ARE DOGS)
SAUSAGE, SHEEP, RESCUE, HUNTING
___ DOGS (THAT AREN'T DOGS)
TOP, CORN, SALTY, PRAIRIE
Frequently asked questions
The shape of the puzzle
There are 4 categories of 4 words each (16 words total).
The four themes, masked
Each theme below keeps its word shapes and the first letter of every word:F _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _T _ _ _ _ _ I _ A V _ _ _ _ _ C _ _ _ D _ _ _ T _ _ _ A _ _ D _ _ _ D _ _ _ T _ _ _ A _ _ _ _ D _ _ _
Reveal a theme, one at a time
Show theme 1FLABBERGASTShow theme 2THINGS IN A VIOLIN CASEShow theme 3___ DOGS (THAT ARE DOGS)Show theme 4___ DOGS (THAT AREN'T DOGS)
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