NYT Connections: hints and answers for Saturday, January 25

If you’re a fan of word games like Wordle, The Mini, or Strands, then the New York Times’ Connections should be your next daily obsession. This clever puzzle game challenges players to stretch their vocabulary and logical thinking by grouping 16 seemingly unrelated words into four hidden categories. It’s simple in theory but devilishly tricky in execution, making it one of the most rewarding and addictive games in the NYT Games lineup.

Let’s dive into how the game works, some pro tips for conquering tricky puzzles, and today’s themes and solutions to help you sharpen your skills.

How to Play Connections

The premise of Connections is straightforward:

  • You’re given a grid of 16 words, and your goal is to sort them into four groups of four.
  • Each group is tied to a specific theme or connection. Themes could range from simple topics like types of fruit to more nuanced categories like words derived from foreign languages or phrases that rhyme.
  • The game gets tricky because certain words might seem to fit multiple groups, and you’ll only know you’re right once you submit a group.

Here’s the catch: You’re only allowed four mistakes before the game ends. Choose your groups wisely, and don’t be afraid to shuffle the grid to spot hidden patterns.

Tips and Tricks for Mastering Connections

To excel at Connections, it helps to have a strategy:

  1. Start with the obvious connections: Look for words that clearly fit a common theme, such as colors, numbers, or days of the week. These groups are often the easiest to spot.
  2. Identify “trap” words: Some words will appear to fit multiple themes, but only one answer is correct. Keep an eye on these tricky outliers as they’re often the key to solving the puzzle.
  3. Use the shuffle feature: Rearranging the grid can help you see new patterns. Sometimes, a fresh perspective is all you need to connect the dots.
  4. Tackle the yellow group first: In Connections, the groups are color-coded by difficulty. Yellow is usually the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Starting with the simplest group can give you a confidence boost to tackle the harder ones.

Today’s Puzzle: Hints and Themes

Feeling stuck on today’s puzzle? Here are the four secret themes to help you get started:

  • School Periods
  • Features of a Ski Resort
  • Words Derived from Japanese
  • Words After the Prefix “Tri”

To give you a head start, here’s one word from each group:

  • School Periods: CLASS
  • Features of a Ski Resort: LIFT
  • Words Derived from Japanese: EMOJI
  • Words After “Tri”: ANGLE

Today’s Connections Answer

If you’re still scratching your head, don’t worry — Connections is designed to challenge even the sharpest minds. Here’s the full solution for today’s puzzle:

  • School Periods: CLASS, HOMEROOM, LUNCH, RECESS
  • Features of a Ski Resort: LIFT, LODGE, MOGUL, SLOPE
  • Words Derived from Japanese: EMOJI, GINKGO, KARAOKE, TYCOON
  • Words After “Tri”: ANGLE, CYCLE, DENT, POD

Why Connections is a must-play game

Connections isn’t just a game — it’s a mental workout. It encourages players to think creatively, recognize patterns, and expand their vocabulary. Whether you’re solving puzzles solo or comparing streaks with friends, the game offers a satisfying challenge for casual gamers and wordsmiths alike.

Plus, the daily reset at midnight ensures there’s always a fresh puzzle waiting to keep you hooked. Combine that with the sleek interface of the NYT Games app or website, and it’s no wonder Connections is quickly becoming a fan-favorite alongside classics like Wordle and The Mini.

Connections offers something for everyone — a little mystery, a lot of strategy, and a whole lot of fun. Whether you’re a seasoned puzzle master or a newbie looking to dip your toes into the word game universe, it’s the perfect game to add to your daily routine.

So, what are you waiting for? Head over to the New York Times Games website or download the app on iOS or Android to test your skills. And remember, every mistake is just a stepping stone to your next big win!

Are you a Connections pro or just starting out? Share your thoughts and strategies in the comments

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