NYT Connections for December 19, 2025, offers a cleverly designed puzzle featuring 16 new words grouped into four hidden categories.
Today’s challenge blends straightforward associations with playful misdirection, requiring careful observation and lateral thinking.
The puzzle themes revolve around data-related findings, dinner options, U.S. Cabinet departments, and humorous homophones of places to dock ships.
NYT Connections for December 19 is live with a fresh grid and completely new 16 words. The solving method for Connections differs slightly from that of other NYT puzzles. Looking at the themes randomly won’t reveal any clues to solve the puzzle or determine the categories. However, a deeper understanding of the words will eventually reveal the passive connections between them.
The interesting part is that the puzzle can present any random themes, ranging from synonyms, literary allusions, and wordplay. The twist for today is that it contains not only plain associations but also some skillful misdirection. Some groups are evident from the outset, while others require close observation to be revealed. The puzzle is just the right level of difficulty to be a source of both fun and deep thinking.
NYT Connections is a daily word game that presents 16 words in a grid. Players must arrange these words into four groups of four based on hidden connections. Each group has a distinct theme or category. Players can make up to three incorrect guesses before the game ends. The game emphasizes observation, pattern recognition, and lateral thinking. For those new to Connections, each puzzle encourages players to look beyond the obvious and consider synonyms, cultural references, or wordplay.
INTELLIGENCE, BIRTH, DOC, COOK, DELIVERY, DATA, DETAILS, ENERGY, LABOR, PEER, WORF, INFORMATION, GO OUT, LEFTOVERS, COMMERCE, EDUCATION
Yellow group: The words of the group are related to data, to be precise, numbered
Green group: Think of the most common terms that are associated with eating. -
Blue group: These words are primarily associated with the US government departments.
Purple group: These words indicate specific locations where boats can be parked.
Yellow Group: DATA
Green Group: DELIVERY
Blue Group: ENERGY
Purple Group: WORF
If you haven’t yet solved the puzzle and are confused about the exact word sets, below are the four categories of today:
Yellow Group (FINDINGS): DATA, DETAILS, INFORMATION, INTELLIGENCE
Green Group (DINNER OPTIONS): COOK, DELIVERY, GO OUT, LEFTOVERS
Blue Group (U.S. CABINET DEPARTMENTS): COMMERCE, EDUCATION, ENERGY, LABOR
Purple Group (HOMOPHONES OF PLACES TO PARK A SHIP): BIRTH, DOC, PEER, WORF
Check Out the Image Below to Learn How to Make the Sets of Today's Puzzle:
The NYT Connections puzzle of November 19th demonstrates skillful design through overlapping themes and hidden wordplay. Success is usually achieved by retaking the grid with a different perspective. Recognizing synonyms, literary references, and subtle puns is still very much essential. This puzzle is enjoyable for both experts and beginners for its balance between tricky situations and playful distractions.