How to Play NYT Connections — Rules, Tips & Strategies

NYT Connections is a daily word-grouping puzzle. You are given 16 words and must sort them into four groups of four, each sharing a hidden theme. Difficulty is color-coded from Yellow (easiest) to Purple (hardest). On TECHi daily hubs, answers use the same tap-to-reveal spoiler strip as Wordle and Quordle before the full write-up.

Rules

• 16 words on a 4×4 grid. Find four groups of four.
• Each group shares a hidden common theme.
• You get four mistakes before game over.
• Difficulty: Yellow (easy) → Green → Blue → Purple (hardest).
• Shuffle the board to spot new connections.

Strategies

• Solve Yellow first — it is the most straightforward.
• Watch for words that fit multiple categories (especially Purple traps).
• Use the shuffle button often to break visual patterns.
• If you get "one away," think about which single word is the outlier.

Today's Connections Hints →

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