NYT Connections Hints for Thursday, July 2, 2026

Thursday, July 2, 2026 puzzle #1117. The previous puzzle mixed impersonators, old-fashioned names, nickname starts, and sports venue starts.

Words: COPYCAT, MIME, MOCKINGBIRD, T-1000, LOOKING GLASS, SPECTACLES, TALKIE, WATER CLOSET, BILLY GOAT, DAN DAN NOODLES, RICH TEXT, TOM-TOM, COURT JESTER, DIAMOND RING, FIELD MOUSE, TRACK RECORD

Spoiler-safe Connections hints

Yellow hint

These can copy, mimic, or imitate.

Reveal Yellow category and answer

They impersonate other things: COPYCAT, MIME, MOCKINGBIRD, T-1000

Each answer is known for imitation, from a person performing mime to a fictional shape-shifter.

Green hint

Think older terms for familiar modern objects.

Reveal Green category and answer

Old-timey names for things we still use: LOOKING GLASS, SPECTACLES, TALKIE, WATER CLOSET

These are older names for a mirror, glasses, a movie with sound, and a bathroom.

Blue hint

The first part of each phrase can be a familiar person's name.

Reveal Blue category and answer

Starting with nicknames: BILLY GOAT, DAN DAN NOODLES, RICH TEXT, TOM-TOM

Billy, Dan, Rich, and Tom can all read as familiar names at the start of the phrase.

Purple hint

The first word can name a place where a sport is played.

Reveal Purple category and answer

Starting with sports venues: COURT JESTER, DIAMOND RING, FIELD MOUSE, TRACK RECORD