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Verified archive for July 9, 2026 Spoiler-safePuzzle #1124

NYT Connections #1124 Hints & Answers (July 9, 2026)

Connections puzzle No. 1124 mixes drink-menu terminology, music journalism, floor coverings, and Pontiac nameplates in a board with several plausible crossover traps.

Guide editorMaya BrooksSenior Editor

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4 groups
Group 1Category hidden
Group 2Category hidden
Group 3Category hidden
Group 4Category hidden

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Open today’s solving plan
  1. Prefer an exact rule.A shared topic is only a lead. Look for four words connected in the same precise way.
  2. Find the least flexible word.Use the word with the narrowest meaning to place words that could belong in several groups.
  3. Test the grammar.If the leftovers look unrelated, try placing one common word before or after each answer.

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  3. 3
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    Open the category, then the four words only when you are ready.

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Practice board guide

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  1. 1
    Choose four words

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  2. 2
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  3. 3
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July 9, 2026 puzzle explained

Connections No. 1124 overview

The board relies on shifts between proper names and ordinary vocabulary. PITCHFORK, SPIN, THROW, and PRAYER can initially suggest actions or concepts, while VIRGIN has meanings beyond beverage labeling. The supplied search evidence for NA concerns Narcotics Anonymous and sodium rather than the official category, so it does not support an additional editorial claim.

Overall difficultyModerate to hardBiggest trapSeveral words invite convincing alternate readings: THROW and PITCHFORK suggest actions, SPIN can describe motion, and FIREBIRD and ROLLING STONE look like entertainment titles.Best first moveStart with the four unmistakable Pontiac nameplates, then separate the publication titles from the rug varieties.

Why the board is deceptive

The cleanest foothold is the Pontiac set, whose multiword entries make the shared relationship comparatively distinctive.

After reading BILLBOARD, PITCHFORK, ROLLING STONE, SPIN as publication names rather than everyday words, the rest of the board becomes easier.

Open the clean solving route

One way through the board

Lock in FIREBIRD, G6, GRAND PRIX, and TRANS AM first. Next collect the four music publications, identify the rug types, and leave the non-alcoholic menu designators for the final group.

Spoilers below

July 9, 2026 groups and answers

Each group stays hidden until you choose to open it. Reveal one at a time, or keep this section closed while you continue solving.

Alcohol-free menu labelsReveal this group

What connects NA, SPIRIT-FREE, VIRGIN and ZERO-PROOF?

NA · SPIRIT-FREE · VIRGIN · ZERO-PROOF

NON-ALCOHOLIC DESIGNATORS. All four can designate a drink or beverage option that does not contain alcohol.

Best anchor: Watch for these as menu vocabulary, particularly beside cocktails and other drinks.

Music journalism titlesReveal this group

What connects BILLBOARD, PITCHFORK, ROLLING STONE and SPIN?

BILLBOARD · PITCHFORK · ROLLING STONE · SPIN

MUSIC PUBLICATIONS. Each is the name of a publication associated with music news, criticism, charts, or culture.

Best anchor: The proper-name reading unites four otherwise unrelated common words and phrases.

Floor-covering varietiesReveal this group

What connects PERSIAN, PRAYER, SHAG and THROW?

PERSIAN · PRAYER · SHAG · THROW

KINDS OF RUGS. Each word identifies a recognized kind or style of rug used for decoration, texture, or a particular purpose.

Best anchor: Treat THROW as a small floor covering rather than an action, and the set takes shape.

Pontiac nameplatesReveal this group

What connects FIREBIRD, G6, GRAND PRIX and TRANS AM?

FIREBIRD · G6 · GRAND PRIX · TRANS AM

PONTIAC MODELS. All four are model names associated with Pontiac, including performance-oriented and passenger-car nameplates.

Best anchor: Combination of the alphanumeric model and the three bold names point to an automobile brand.

How to solve this Connections puzzle

The thinking route, not just the answers

Use this puzzle’s anchor words as a repeatable method: secure an exact group, remove it, and let the remaining board become more specific.

  1. 1
    NON-ALCOHOLIC DESIGNATORS

    Watch for these as menu vocabulary, particularly beside cocktails and other drinks.

  2. 2
    MUSIC PUBLICATIONS

    The proper-name reading unites four otherwise unrelated common words and phrases.

  3. 3
    KINDS OF RUGS

    Treat THROW as a small floor covering rather than an action, and the set takes shape.

  4. 4
    PONTIAC MODELS

    Combination of the alphanumeric model and the three bold names point to an automobile brand.

Mental model to reuse tomorrow

Exact relationship beats shared topic

Weak rule“These words feel related.”A broad topic can support several tempting but unstable groups.

Strong rule“The same test works for all four.”One precise relationship should explain every answer in the same way.

This puzzle’s best first move: Start with the four unmistakable Pontiac nameplates, then separate the publication titles from the rug varieties..

Build your solving vocabulary

Four anchors worth spotting

An anchor is the least flexible word in a possible group. It often exposes the intended relationship before the more ambiguous words do.

Straightforward once read in a beverage context groupAlcohol-free menu labels
NON-ALCOHOLIC DESIGNATORS: Watch for these as menu vocabulary, particularly beside cocktails and other drinks.
Moderate because each entry also works outside publishing groupMusic journalism titles
MUSIC PUBLICATIONS: The proper-name reading unites four otherwise unrelated common words and phrases.
Moderate due to strong alternate meanings groupFloor-covering varieties
KINDS OF RUGS: Treat THROW as a small floor covering rather than an action, and the set takes shape.
Hard without automotive knowledge, but distinctive as a complete set groupPontiac nameplates
PONTIAC MODELS: Combination of the alphanumeric model and the three bold names point to an automobile brand.

Questions players ask

Questions about this puzzle

What makes Connections #1124 tricky?

Several words invite convincing alternate readings: THROW and PITCHFORK suggest actions, SPIN can describe motion, and FIREBIRD and ROLLING STONE look like entertainment titles.

Where should I start with the July 9, 2026 puzzle?

Start with the four unmistakable Pontiac nameplates, then separate the publication titles from the rug varieties.

About the guide editor

Maya Brooks

Maya focuses on exact category logic, ambiguous overlaps and hints that help without giving the group away.

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