Story perspectives

New York Times Unveils Challenging January Puzzle Categories

1/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

The New York Times' Connections puzzle for January 5, 2026 presents 16 words to categorize into four groups.
The categories cover actions on social media (COMMENT, LIKE, LURK, POST) and concepts of maximum distance (END, POLE).
They also include art movements (BRUTAL, IMPRESSION, MANNER, REAL) and meanings tied to the letter V (FIVE, VERSUS, VERY, VOLT).
Players may make up to four incorrect guesses, and the game encourages collaborative discussion.

History

Historical Context

The New York Times launched its first crossword puzzle on February 15, 1942, created by Margaret Petherbridge Farrar, to provide a mental escape during World War II. This followed the 1913 invention of the crossword by Arthur Wynne, which gained immense popularity, selling over 1 million copies weekly by the 1920s. Today’s puzzles continue to engage readers through themed categories, fostering community and intellectual interaction.

1 of 2

Story summary

The New York Times' Connections puzzle for January 5, 2026 presents 16 words to categorize into four groups.
The categories cover actions on social media (COMMENT, LIKE, LURK, POST) and concepts of maximum distance (END, POLE).
They also include art movements (BRUTAL, IMPRESSION, MANNER, REAL) and meanings tied to the letter V (FIVE, VERSUS, VERY, VOLT).
Players may make up to four incorrect guesses, and the game encourages collaborative discussion.

1 / 2