Connections is the New York Times’ latest puzzle game that challenges you to group 16 words into four hidden categories based on how they relate to each other. Every night at midnight, a new puzzle is released, offering a mix of easy and tricky challenges. Like Wordle, you can track your winning streak and compare your results with friends.
Some puzzles are more challenging than others. If you’re struggling with today’s Connections, check out the hints and tips below. And if you’re still stuck, we’ll reveal the answers at the end.
How to Play Connections
When you start Connections, you’ll see a grid of 16 words. Your goal is to organize these words into four groups of four by identifying the common thread that links them. The groups might include categories like video game titles, sequels to book series, different shades of red, or names of popular chain restaurants.
Sometimes, words may seem to fit into multiple groups, but there’s only one correct way to sort them. To help you spot the connections, you can shuffle and rearrange the grid.
Each group you identify is color-coded by difficulty: yellow is the easiest, followed by green, blue, and finally purple.
To play, select four words and hit “Submit.” If you’re correct, those words will be removed from the grid, and their connection will be revealed. However, if you guess wrong, it will count as a mistake. You only get four mistakes before the game ends.
Hints for Today’s Connections
If today’s puzzle has you stumped, we can help by giving you the four categories. For more guidance, we’ll also share one word from each group.
Today’s Themes
- EXPLOSIVE SOUND
- CHILI PEPPER QUALITY
- CLASSIC BARBERSHOP SUPPLIES
- KINDS OF CARDS
One-Word Clues
- EXPLOSIVE SOUND: BOOM
- CHILI PEPPER QUALITY: FIRE
- CLASSIC BARBERSHOP SUPPLIES: BRUSH
- KINDS OF CARDS: BASEBALL
Today’s Connections Answers
Still having trouble? Don’t worry, these puzzles are meant to be challenging. If you want to see today’s Connections answers, here they are:
- EXPLOSIVE SOUND: BOOM, CRASH, ROAR, THUNDER
- CHILI PEPPER QUALITY: FIRE, HEAT, KICK, SPICE
- CLASSIC BARBERSHOP SUPPLIES: BRUSH, CAPE, CLIPPERS, GEL
- KINDS OF CARDS: BASEBALL, MAGIC, SET, TAROT
Each day’s puzzle is different, so if today’s was tough, be sure to check back tomorrow for a new challenge!