The puzzle includes four focal groups: traits, insults, nuisances, and the difficult 'stool' group.
Stepping stones support players in straining the compound words, easing separation.
Completing words illuminates the reason behind the group, which involves some ambiguous words.
In solving puzzles, this one is intriguing in splitting the words and requires keen observation of the categories and wordplay.
Today’s NYT Connections puzzle is one of those that keeps you second-guessing. The August 26 game brings together physical traits, a set of insults, words about being a nuisance, and a clever wordplay group built around “stool.” Some categories immediately feel obvious, while others only click after a bit of head-scratching.
It’s the kind of mix that makes this puzzle so addictive, easy wins balanced with “aha!” moments.
If you’re new to it, NYT Connections is The New York Times’ daily word puzzle. You start with a grid of 16 words and sort them into four groups of four. A shared theme connects each group, anything from pop culture to wordplay.
The groups are color-coded by difficulty: yellow (easy), green (medium), blue (harder), and purple (trickiest). Be careful, though; words often feel like they belong in more than one place. Four wrong guesses and the game ends, so strategy matters as much as word knowledge.
Here are today’s words to work with:
TOAD, RIDE, TATTOO, BAR, MOLE, FOOT, HEEL, BADGER, RAT, HARRY, STEP, SCAR, CREEP, PIERCING, BUG, SKUNK
Need a nudge? Here’s how the groups break down today:
Yellow group — Distinguishing characteristics
Think about physical traits or markings people are known for.
One-word hint: SCAR
Green group — A real jerk
These are the kinds of words you might throw at someone who is unpleasant.
One-word hint: HEEL
Blue group — Pester
Look for words that describe how someone annoys or bothers you.
One-word hint: RIDE
Purple group — Words before “stool”
Each of these words makes sense when paired with “stool.”
One-word hint: FOOT
Here’s how everything connects:
Yellow — Distinguishing characteristics: MOLE, PIERCING, SCAR, TATTOO
Green — A real jerk: CREEP, HEEL, RAT, SKUNK
Blue — Pester: BADGER, BUG, HARRY, RIDE
Purple — Words before “stool”: BAR, FOOT, STEP, TOAD
Today’s yellow group is one of the easiest to spot; scars, tattoos, moles, and piercings all stand out as defining features. The green group is as straightforward as it is once you see it, though SKUNK gives the insults a slightly playful twist.
The blue group ramps up the challenge. BUG and BADGER are obvious choices, but words like HARRY and RIDE stretch the idea of “pester” in ways that throw players off. It’s a reminder that Connections loves to sneak in figurative meanings.
The purple set is the real curveball. BAR stool and FOOT stool come to mind quickly, but STEP stool and TOAD stool might take longer. Once the link clicks, it feels satisfying, exactly the kind of wordplay twist that gives the game its reputation.
August 26’s NYT Connections puzzle hits a nice balance: approachable in some spots, tricky in others, and rewarding overall. It starts with familiar categories and ends with a classic purple misdirection that leaves you with that small thrill of cracking the code.
This excerpt exemplifies many of the benefits of this game. On the surface, word puzzles are straightforward, but the way words are clustered poses a challenge to both logic and creativity. Regardless of whether you cracked it flawlessly or made a few reckless attempts, the previous puzzle demonstrated that the enjoyment comes from discovering the patterns you initially overlooked.