The New York Times’ Connections puzzle for May 31, 2025, presents a delightful challenge for word enthusiasts. This daily game tasks players with identifying four groups of four words that share a common thread. Today’s puzzle, numbered #720, offers a mix of straightforward and nuanced connections, making it an engaging exercise for both novice and seasoned solvers.
How to Play NYT Connections
In Connections, you’re presented with a grid of 16 words. Your objective is to group these words into four sets of four, each connected by a shared theme or category. The categories can range from the obvious to the obscure, testing your vocabulary, general knowledge, and lateral thinking skills. Each group is color-coded to indicate its difficulty:
- Yellow: Easiest
- Green: Easy
- Blue: Medium
- Purple: Hardest
You have up to four incorrect guesses before the game ends, so choose wisely!
Hints for Today’s NYT Connections Puzzle
If you’re seeking a nudge in the right direction without revealing the answers, consider these subtle hints for each category:
- Yellow: Think about items that symbolize recognition or accomplishment.
- Green: Consider terms associated with the process of making bread.
- Blue: Reflect on words that denote small, enclosed spaces.
- Purple: Ponder items or expressions that can be “blown.”
Today’s NYT Connections Answers
For those ready to see the solutions, here’s the breakdown of today’s puzzle:
- Yellow – Achievement Markers:
- Medal
- Trophy
- Certificate
- Plaque
- Green – Bread-Related Terms:
- Ferment
- Proof
- Rise
- Rest
- Blue – Small Spaces:
- Cavity
- Hollow
- Nook
- Recess
- Purple – Things You Can Blow:
- Bubble
- Fuse
- Kiss
- Raspberry
Clue and Answer Breakdown
- Yellow – Achievement Markers:
- Clue: Items awarded to recognize success or excellence.
- Answers: Medal, Trophy, Certificate, Plaque
- Green – Bread-Related Terms:
- Clue: Stages or actions in the bread-making process.
- Answers: Ferment, Proof, Rise, Rest
- Blue – Small Spaces:
- Clue: Terms describing confined or cozy areas.
- Answers: Cavity, Hollow, Nook, Recess
- Purple – Things You Can Blow:
- Clue: Objects or expressions that can be “blown.”
- Answers: Bubble, Fuse, Kiss, Raspberry
Tips to Solve the NYT Mini Crossword
While Connections challenges your ability to find relationships between words, the NYT Mini Crossword tests your vocabulary and clue-solving skills. Here are some strategies to improve your performance:
- Start with the easiest clues: Fill in the answers you’re confident about to gain momentum.
- Look for fill-in-the-blank clues: These often have straightforward answers.
- Consider common prefixes and suffixes: They can help you deduce longer words.
- Revisit challenging clues: Newly filled-in answers might provide hints for tougher ones.
Strategies to Solve Connections
To enhance your Connections gameplay, consider these tactics:
- Identify obvious groupings first: Starting with the most apparent connections can simplify the remaining choices.
- Be cautious of red herrings: Some words may seem related but belong to different categories.
- Use the shuffle feature: Rearranging the words can help you spot new patterns.
- Think outside the box: Some connections may be based on puns, homophones, or cultural references.
