<p>Struggling to solve today’s Connections puzzle? You’re not alone. The New York Times word game challenges players to group 16 words into 4 connected sets; a task that often tests both vocabulary and logic. If you’re close to cracking it or completely stumped, we’ve broken down all four colour-coded categories for you below.</p>
<h3><strong>How To Play NYT Connections</strong></h3>
<p>In NYT Connections, you’re given 16 words. Your goal is to sort them into four groups of four, each sharing a common theme. The difficulty increases with each colour:</p>
<ul>
<li>Yellow: Easiest</li>
<li>Green: Moderate</li>
<li>Blue: Tricky</li>
<li>Purple: Most difficult</li>
</ul>
<p>Use deduction, trial and error, and some lateral thinking to identify the hidden links.</p>
<h3><span style=”color: #ba372a;”><strong>Yellow Category: Discount</strong></span></h3>
<p>These words revolve around bargains and deals, typically seen in retail or sales promotions. Recognising this category depends on linking commercial terms rather than their literal meanings.</p>
<ul>
<li>Deal</li>
<li>Promotion</li>
<li>Sale</li>
<li>Special</li>
</ul>
<p>All four are commonly used to refer to reduced-price offerings or special buys.</p>
<h3><span style=”color: #ba372a;”><strong>Green Category: Irritate</strong></span></h3>
<p>These words capture the idea of annoyance or provocation. If you’ve ever felt irked or unsettled, you’ve experienced what these words suggest.</p>
<ul>
<li>Bug</li>
<li>Nettle</li>
<li>Ruffle</li>
<li>Steam</li>
</ul>
<p>Each of these verbs can describe ways someone gets under your skin; whether physically or emotionally.</p>
<h3><span style=”color: #ba372a;”><strong>Blue Category: Poker Actions</strong></span></h3>
<p>This category would’ve challenged those unfamiliar with card games. It groups together basic actions used during a standard game of poker.</p>
<ul>
<li>Call</li>
<li>Check</li>
<li>Fold</li>
<li>Raise</li>
</ul>
<p>All four are fundamental moves in poker rounds, tied to betting strategy.</p>
<h3><span style=”color: #ba372a;”><strong>Purple Category: Things You Can Pump</strong></span></h3>
<p>This was the trickiest set. These words might not seem related at first glance, but they all refer to objects you can physically pump; either manually or metaphorically.</p>
<ul>
<li>Brakes</li>
<li>Fist</li>
<li>Gas</li>
<li>Iron</li>
</ul>
<p>From vehicles to muscles to household chores, these are all things you can give a good pump.</p>
<h3><strong>Keep Your Streak Going</strong></h3>
<p>Today’s Connections puzzle (#778) blended common words with layered meanings, especially in the purple and blue sets. Whether you solved it quickly or needed a nudge, keep playing daily to sharpen your pattern recognition skills.</p>
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