The NYT Connections puzzle for November 9, 2026, is number 1,247. Today’s grid features a mix of fashion terminology, household objects, and some clever wordplay involving marine life.
Hints for the November 9 Connections
If you are looking for a nudge in the right direction without seeing the full solution, consider these thematic clues:
- Yellow: These terms all describe various types of scams or dishonest maneuvers.
- Green: These words are commonly found on the tags of denim apparel.
- Blue: These items share a specific physical characteristic designed for cutting or scraping.
- Purple: Look at the second word in each of these phrases; they all share a biological connection to the ocean.
Stronger Clues for Specific Groups
For the Blue group, focus on things that aren’t perfectly smooth. While a steak knife is an obvious example, consider how a Mint Leaf looks under close inspection. Botanically, mint leaves have “serrated” or saw-toothed margins. Similarly, the edge of a plastic Tape Dispenser or a specialized Grapefruit Spoon shares this jagged design.
In the Purple group, you are looking for compound words or phrases where the suffix is a sea creature. For example, a Fun Sponge is a colloquialism for a person who kills the mood, “soaking up” the enjoyment of others. This group is often the most difficult because the sea creatures are hidden behind common idioms and scientific terms.
SPOILER WARNING: The full answers for the November 9 puzzle follow below.
Connections Answers for November 9, 2026 (#1,247)
Yellow: Deceitful Scheme
- Con Job
- Flimflam (Defined as nonsensical talk or a deceptive trick)
- Rip-off
- Shell Game
Green: Jeans Descriptors
- Bootcut
- Distressed
- Low-rise
- Skinny
Blue: Things with Serrated Edges
- Grapefruit Spoon
- Mint Leaf
- Steak Knife
- Tape Dispenser
Purple: Ending in Sea Creatures
- Card Shark
- Fun Sponge
- Gamma Ray
- Navy SEAL
The Yellow group focuses on various synonyms for swindling, including the rhythmic “flimflam.” Green is a straightforward category for anyone who has shopped for pants recently. Blue requires a bit of botanical knowledge regarding the serrated edges of herbs like mint. Purple provides the final challenge by masking aquatic animals within everyday phrases like “Gamma Ray” and the idiom “Fun Sponge.”
