Are you trying to solve today’s New York Times Connections puzzle? If you’re unfamiliar with the game, it might surprise you. Unlike Wordle, which many see as a quick test of vocabulary, Connections is a mental challenge. The goal is simple yet tricky: you’re given 16 words, and your task is to divide them into four groups based on some underlying connection. Some word groups might be obvious, but don’t let your guard down. Puzzle editor Wyna Liu is known for cleverly selecting words that can belong to more than one group, making it a brain teaser that can leave you stumped.

What’s New in the Connections Puzzle?

The New York Times recently added a new tool for avid Connections players—a Connections Bot, similar to the existing Wordle Bot. After completing a puzzle, you can head over to the bot for a numerical score and a detailed breakdown of your answers. Additionally, if you’re a registered user with Times Games, you’ll get access to detailed progress tracking. This includes stats like how many puzzles you’ve completed, your win rate, perfect scores, and streaks.

How to Play Connections

While it may seem straightforward, winning at Connections is no easy feat. The game presents 16 words, and your task is to mentally arrange them into four sets of four words that are related in some way. Once you think you’ve found a group, you click on those four words, and the game will reveal the connection. The groups are color-coded: yellow (the easiest), green, blue, and purple (the most difficult). The trick? Some connections hinge on subtle word relationships, like grouping words based on shared prefixes or themes.

Here’s an example: in one puzzle, the connection was the first part of each word, which happened to be the names of rock bands, such as “Rushmore” and “Journeyman.”

Today’s NYT Connections Hints

If you’re stuck, here’s a breakdown of hints for today’s puzzle, ranked by difficulty:

• Yellow Group Hint: Often found in salons.
• Green Group Hint: These are recurring costs.
• Blue Group Hint: Think patterns in nature and games.
• Purple Group Hint: Includes creatures with claws and shells.

Answers for Today’s Connections Groups

• Yellow group: Used in hair care
• Green group: Monthly expenses
• Blue group: Things with spots
• Purple group:  ____ crab

Today’s Connections Answers

• Yellow group theme: Used in hair care. The words are Comb, Dryer, Hairspray and Rollers.
• Green group theme: Monthly expenses. The words are Gas, Internet, phone and rent.
• Blue group theme: Things with spots. The words are Dalmatian, Die, Domino and Ladybug.
• Purple group theme:   ____ crab. The words are Fiddler, Hermit, Horseshoe and Spider.