The New York Times’ Connections puzzle challenges players daily to group 16 seemingly unrelated words into four categories based on hidden connections. Each category is color-coded by difficulty: yellow (easiest), green, blue, and purple (hardest). The objective is to identify these connections using logic and word association skills.
How to Play NYT Connections
In Connections, you’re presented with a grid of 16 words. Your task is to select groups of four words that share a common link. Once you identify a correct group, those words are removed from the grid. You have up to four mistakes before the game ends. The challenge lies in discerning subtle relationships between words, some of which may fit into multiple categories, requiring careful analysis to determine the correct groupings.
Hints for Today’s Connections Categories
If you’re seeking a nudge in the right direction without revealing the answers, consider these hints for each category:
- Yellow Category: Think about components found on footwear.
- Green Category: Consider terms associated with places or means of lodging.
- Blue Category: Reflect on words related to one’s public image or esteem.
- Purple Category: Look for words that end with sounds or suffixes that express disgust.
Today’s NYT Connections Answers – Puzzle #689
Here are the solutions for the April 30, 2025 puzzle:
- Parts of a Shoe:
- HEEL
- SOLE
- TONGUE
- UPPER
- Accommodation:
- CAPACITY
- CHAIRS
- ROOM
- SEATING
- Reputation:
- FACE
- IMAGE
- REGARD
- STANDING
- Ending with Synonyms for “Yuck”:
- DYNASTY
- ENGROSS
- GIMMICK
- MILDEW Tips to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword
While distinct from Connections, the NYT Mini Crossword also offers a quick mental workout. To enhance your solving experience:
- Start with the Fill-in-the-Blank Clues: These are often more straightforward and can provide a foothold in the puzzle.
- Look for Short Answers: Tackling three- or four-letter words can help unlock letters for intersecting longer words.
- Consider Common Letter Patterns: Recognizing familiar prefixes, suffixes, and letter combinations can expedite the solving process.
Strategies to Solve Connections
To improve at Connections:
- Shuffle the Words: Changing the arrangement can help you see patterns and connections you might have missed.
- Identify Obvious Pairs First: Spotting two words that clearly relate can lead you to the other members of their group.
- Be Wary of Red Herrings: Some words may seem to fit multiple categories; ensure all four words in a group share the exact same connection.
- Group by Theme: Try grouping by category (like tech, food, geography) and see what sticks.
By practicing regularly and employing these strategies, you’ll enhance your ability to discern the nuanced relationships that make Connections both challenging and rewarding.
