The New York Times daily Connections puzzle challenges players to group sixteen words into four categories of four, based on common themes. Today’s puzzle (#962) tested vocabulary and pattern recognition, with groupings ranging from straightforward to deceptively tricky.
Puzzle Breakdown: Hints and Solutions
The game provides no explicit clues, so many players rely on hints or, eventually, complete answers. The difficulty varies; some categories click quickly while others require deliberate trial and error. The Times even offers a post-game analysis tool for registered users, tracking performance metrics like completion rate and perfect scores.
Category Solutions
Here’s how today’s puzzle breaks down, from the easiest to the most challenging groups:
- Yellow (Easiest): The theme is Imitation. The words are dummy, mock, pretend, and sham. These terms all refer to something not genuine, a false representation of reality.
- Green: The theme is Cleaning Supplies. The words are bucket, gloves, rag, and soap. These are common tools used in household or commercial cleaning.
- Blue: The theme is Components of a Record Player. The words are motor, needle, platter, and tonearm. These are essential mechanical parts that make vinyl playback possible.
- Purple (Hardest): The theme is Spare ____. The words are me, rib, time, and tire. This grouping requires recognizing the common idiom “spare [blank]”, which is used in everyday language.
Why Connections Matters
The daily Connections puzzle is part of a broader trend toward accessible wordplay games. The Times portfolio includes Wordle, Strands, and the Mini Crossword, all designed to engage casual players with quick, mental challenges. These puzzles tap into our innate love of pattern recognition and problem-solving.
The appeal lies in the combination of daily ritual, shared challenge, and the satisfaction of cracking the code.
The post-game analysis feature suggests a growing desire for quantifiable performance in these leisure activities. By tracking progress, players can turn puzzle-solving into a form of self-competition.
Connections continues to draw millions of daily players, cementing its place as a staple in the digital word game landscape.
