TrioNineA smaller puzzle. A real connection.
Nine words make a short, focused challenge. Match vocabulary, spot a spelling pattern or discover a phrase you had not noticed.
Learn the rules →A daily moment of discovery
Nine words.
Three hidden connections.
A little wordplay, a fresh perspective. Find the groups hiding in plain sight.
2026-10-01 · Daily puzzle · UTC
easyRoots, strings and stones
Find three groups of three connected words.
Mistakes left: ●●●●
Choose three words, then submit your group.
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Learn after every guess.
Each solved group has a short explanation. Practice at your own pace, use a category hint when you need one, and try another round.
Build your solving habits →Quick questions
What is a nine-word category puzzle?
It is a word game with nine words that form three groups of three. Each group shares a specific connection: a meaning, a word pattern or a phrase.
How many mistakes can I make?
You have four mistakes per puzzle. A correct group uses no mistake. Repeating an identical wrong guess also uses no additional mistake.
Is TrioNine free?
Yes. Daily puzzles, explanations and unlimited practice are free, with no account required.
When does the daily puzzle change?
The shared daily puzzle changes at midnight UTC. TrioNine launched on October 1, 2026. The current collection contains 38 original puzzles; daily puzzles repeat after one complete cycle.
Does this contain NYT Connections answers?
No. TrioNine has its own original word groups and explanations. It is an independent practice game, not an official NYT product or an answer service.