NYT Connections Helper
Master the New York Times Connections puzzle with strategies, tips, and category insights. Learn how to identify patterns and solve the daily challenge!
What is NYT Connections?
Connections is a daily word puzzle from The New York Times where you're given 16 words and must group them into 4 categories of 4 words each. Each category has a hidden connection or theme that links the words together.
Most straightforward connections
Requires some lateral thinking
Tricky and requires careful thought
Most challenging connections
Example Puzzle
Try solving this example puzzle. Select 4 words you think belong together.
Winning Strategies
Start with the Obvious
Look for the most straightforward category first. Usually the yellow (easiest) category has clear connections.
Look for Word Patterns
Check if words can come before or after a common word (e.g., ___ BALL: BASKET, FOOT, BASE, SNOW)
Watch for Red Herrings
The puzzle intentionally includes words that seem to fit multiple categories. Be careful!
Group by Part of Speech
Sometimes all words in a category are the same part of speech (all verbs, all adjectives, etc.)
Consider Multiple Meanings
Words might have double meanings. "BEAR" could be an animal or a stock market term.
Use Process of Elimination
Once you identify one or two categories, it becomes easier to see patterns in the remaining words.
Don't Rush
You only get 4 mistakes. Think carefully before submitting.
Look for Themes
Connections often has themed days (sports, movies, music, etc.). Consider the overall theme.
Common Category Types
Connections puzzles often use these types of categories. Knowing them can help you spot patterns faster!
Word Before/After
Words that can all precede or follow a common word
Synonyms
Words with similar meanings
Categories
Words that belong to the same category
Homophones
Words that sound like other words
Compound Words
Parts of compound words
Brands/Companies
Companies or brand names
Pop Culture
Entertainment and media references
Wordplay
Words with special linguistic properties
Pro Tips & Tricks
🎯 General Approach
- Read all 16 words carefully before making any guesses
- Look for obvious connections first (colors, animals, etc.)
- Don't submit until you're confident - you only get 4 mistakes
- If you're stuck, step away and come back with fresh eyes
🔍 Pattern Recognition
- Look for words that share prefixes or suffixes
- Check if words can form compound words with a common word
- Consider alternate meanings (e.g., "BARK" - tree bark or dog bark)
- Watch for abbreviations and acronyms
⚠️ Common Pitfalls
- Red herrings: Words that seem to fit but belong elsewhere
- Overthinking: Sometimes the answer is simpler than you think
- Tunnel vision: Don't fixate on one category idea
- Rushing: Take your time to consider all possibilities
💡 Expert Advice
- Start with certainty: Only submit when you're 100% sure about all 4 words
- Use elimination: After finding one category, the rest become easier
- Think thematically: Connections often has themed days (sports, movies, etc.)
- Consider all meanings: Many words have multiple meanings - explore them all
- Practice regularly: The more you play, the better you'll recognize patterns
How to Play Connections
- Read the 16 words - Take your time to understand what you're working with
- Find groups of 4 - Look for 4 words that share a common theme or connection
- Select and submit - Click 4 words and submit your guess
- Repeat until complete - Continue until you've found all 4 categories or run out of mistakes
- Share your results - Show off your solving skills on social media!
⚡ Quick Rules
- You have 4 mistakes before the game ends
- Each category contains exactly 4 words
- Categories have difficulty levels (Yellow → Green → Blue → Purple)
- Words belong to only one category
- New puzzles available daily
Master NYT Connections
The New York Times Connections puzzle has quickly become one of the most popular daily word games. This category-based word puzzle challenges players to find hidden connections between 16 words, grouping them into 4 categories of 4 words each.
Our Connections Helper provides comprehensive strategies, common category types, and expert tips to improve your solving skills. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, understanding patterns and common connection types will significantly boost your success rate.
Looking for other NYT puzzle help? Check out our Spelling Bee Solver and Wordle Helper for more daily puzzle assistance.