NYT Connections Hints for July 2, 2026 — Puzzle #1117

Sixteen words, four hidden categories. Hints reveal structure, then the grouping.

Hints and answers for NYT Connections #1117 on July 2, 2026: how many groups there are, a masked theme for each group, then the four categories one at a time, then all sixteen words and the full grouping.

Puzzle date: July 2, 2026 (2026-07-02) · #1117 · Source: the game's public daily data (https://www.nytimes.com/svc/connections/v2/2026-07-02.json). Hints are derived from that day's verified answer data — no invented clues, difficulty scores or word claims.

1. The shape of the puzzle

There are 4 categories of 4 words each (16 words total).

2. The four themes, masked

Each theme below keeps its word shapes and the first letter of every word:

T _ _ _ I _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ O _ _ _ _ T _ _ _ _ _
O _ _ _ _ _ _ _ N _ _ _ _ F _ _ T _ _ _ _ _ W _ S _ _ _ _ U _ _
S _ _ _ _ _ _ _ W _ _ _ N _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
S _ _ _ _ _ _ _ W _ _ _ S _ _ _ _ _ V _ _ _ _ _

3. Reveal a theme, one at a time

Show theme 1

THEY IMPERSONATE OTHER THINGS

Show theme 2

OLD-TIMEY NAMES FOR THINGS WE STILL USE

Show theme 3

STARTING WITH NICKNAMES

Show theme 4

STARTING WITH SPORTS VENUES

NYT Connections answer for July 2, 2026 — puzzle #1117

THEY IMPERSONATE OTHER THINGS

MOCKINGBIRD, MIME, COPYCAT, T-1000

OLD-TIMEY NAMES FOR THINGS WE STILL USE

LOOKING GLASS, SPECTACLES, TALKIE, WATER CLOSET

STARTING WITH NICKNAMES

TOM-TOM, BILLY GOAT, DAN DAN NOODLES, RICH TEXT

STARTING WITH SPORTS VENUES

FIELD MOUSE, COURT JESTER, TRACK RECORD, DIAMOND RING

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