NYT Connections Hints for January 4, 2026 (#977)
Game
GRUMP
COPY
BLOCK
PRINT
ISSUE
SCAN
CRANK
SACK
REEL
ETAIL
TACKLE
WIND
DREAR
BLITZ
COIL
EDITION
Categories
Hints by Category
PAPER PUBLICATION
Back to CategoriesPrinted media or periodical releases
COPY
A single specimen of a printed publication, such as a newspaper or magazine.
EDITION
A particular version or issue of a publication, often referring to a specific print run.
ISSUE
A single release of a periodical, like a magazine or newspaper.
PRINT
Refers to printed material, especially newspapers or magazines, or the act of publishing.
SPOOL
Back to CategoriesWinding or coiling objects
COIL
To wind into a series of loops or spirals.
CRANK
A handle or device for winding or turning something, often used in mechanical contexts.
REEL
A cylindrical device on which something like thread, film, or tape is wound.
WIND
To wrap or coil something around an object or itself.
THINGS A DEFENSIVE FOOTBALL PLAYER DOES
Back to CategoriesDefensive actions in American football
BLITZ
A defensive strategy where extra players rush the quarterback to disrupt the play.
BLOCK
Using the body to obstruct or stop an opponent from advancing.
SACK
Tackling the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage before they can pass or run.
TACKLE
Bringing down an opponent who has possession of the ball to stop their progress.
SYNONYMS FOR BUTT PLUS STARTING LETTER
Back to CategoriesWords formed by adding a starting letter to synonyms for 'butt' (meaning to hit with the head or horns)
DREAR
D + REAR (rear can mean buttocks, though 'butt' here refers to the verb meaning to ram)
ETAIL
E + TAIL (tail can refer to the rear end, though 'butt' as a verb means to strike with the head)
GRUMP
G + RUMP (rump is a synonym for buttocks, but 'butt' as a verb means to push or strike)
SCAN
S + CAN (can is slang for buttocks, though 'butt' as a verb means to hit with the head)