Connections · Hints and answers

Connections #1,124 hints and answers for Thursday, July 9, 2026

Edited by Wyna Liu · Groups listed easiest to hardest: yellow, green, blue, purple

Connections #1,124 puts four groups of four on the board, running from the yellow group through to purple. For each group below: read the hint first, then show the category name when you want it, then the four words.

Group 1 - Yellow

Hint: Four words, one thread. Say each of the four out loud - the link is usually plainer than it looks.

NON-ALCOHOLIC DESIGNATORS

NA · SPIRIT-FREE · VIRGIN · ZERO-PROOF

Group 2 - Green

Hint: Watch the longer entries: at least one of these four is a multi-word phrase, which usually points at the shape of the category.

MUSIC PUBLICATIONS

BILLBOARD · PITCHFORK · ROLLING STONE · SPIN

Group 3 - Blue

Hint: These four belong together for one clean reason. If two of them pair up in your head first, let the other two confirm it.

KINDS OF RUGS

PERSIAN · PRAYER · SHAG · THROW

Group 4 - Purple

Hint: Watch the longer entries: at least one of these four is a multi-word phrase, which usually points at the shape of the category.

PONTIAC MODELS

FIREBIRD · G6 · GRAND PRIX · TRANS AM

Next on the board

Strands →

Theme clue: "On the lips"