Connections is one of the most exciting puzzle games from The New York Times. The game challenges you to categorize a pool of 16 words into four groups by figuring out the connections between them. Each new puzzle resets every night at midnight, with varying levels of difficulty. Just like Wordle, you can track your streak and compare scores with your friends.
Some days the puzzle can be tougher than others—much like the New York Times favorites, The Mini and Strands. If you’re stuck and need help solving today’s puzzle, we’ve got a guide with some helpful tips and tricks. If you need a bit more assistance, we’ve also provided hints for today’s puzzle below. And if you still can’t crack it, don’t worry! We’ll share the answers at the very end.
How to Play NYT Connections
You can play Connections on the New York Times website or using their mobile app on iOS or Android.
In Connections, you’re presented with a grid of 16 words, and your goal is to organize these words into four groups of four by figuring out what connects them. These groups could be based on various themes, like famous video game franchises, book series, shades of color, or popular chain restaurants.
There might be words that seem to fit into multiple categories, but there’s only one right answer. You can rearrange the words to better see possible connections. The groups are color-coded for easier identification, from the yellow group (the easiest) to the purple group (the hardest).
To make a guess, select four words, hit Submit, and see if you’re right. If you’re correct, those words will be removed from the grid and the connection will be revealed. But if you’re wrong, it counts as a mistake. You get only four mistakes before the game ends.
Hints for Today’s Connections Puzzle
We’re here to help you out if you’re struggling with today’s puzzle. Below, we’ll give you the four themes for today’s game. We’ll also provide one word from each group to get you started.
Today’s Themes:
- UTOPIA
- THINGS YOU SHAKE
- PROPER NOUN PORTMANTEAUX
- ENDING IN SYNONYMS FOR “FRIEND”
One-answer Reveals:
- UTOPIA: PARADISE
- THINGS YOU SHAKE: HAIRSPRAY
- PROPER NOUN PORTMANTEAUX: JAZZERCISE
- ENDING IN SYNONYMS FOR “FRIEND”: KETCHUM
Today’s Connections Answers
If you’re still having trouble, we’ve got the answers right here. Here’s how today’s puzzle breaks down:
- UTOPIA: PARADISE, SEVENTH HEAVEN, SHANGRI-LA, XANADU
- THINGS YOU SHAKE: HAIRSPRAY, MAGIC 8 BALL, SALAD DRESSING, SNOWGLOBE
- PROPER NOUN PORTMANTEAUX: JAZZERCISE, PARALYMPICS, POKEMON, WIKIPEDIA
- ENDING IN SYNONYMS FOR “FRIEND”: KETCHUM, PAYPAL, PRIMATE, ROSEBUD
Connections puzzles change every day, so if you couldn’t solve today’s, be sure to check back tomorrow for a fresh challenge!