The word groups take obvious and tricky categories to balance challenge with engagement.
Hints such as HARD TACO or DONE allow the concurrent identification of groups without actually giving an answer.
Swig synonyms plus dog words can induce lateral thinking and keen observation.
Solving this puzzle improves pattern recognition and vocabulary as well as strategic problem-solving abilities.
Today, the NYT Connections presents a puzzle that balances wordplay, cultural knowledge, and some clever twists. It feels evenly balanced, providing straightforward categories alongside overlaps that the sharpest solver is bound to miss. From fictional characters and playful associations, the puzzle illustrates why this daily challenge continues to be discussed amongst the fans.
NYT Connections is a word game of the New York Times. A set of 16 seemingly random words must be organized into four groups of four words. Each group has a hidden link, ranging from pop culture to grammar or everyday objects.
The solving mechanism entails that you are permitted to make only four errors before the game ends; the strategy and pattern recognition need to count. It is a daily mantra for many people, explaining today's NYT Connections.
Here are the 16 words featured in the NYT Connections September 9 puzzle:
SLUG
EGG
COMPLETE
BULL
LAP
SNAIL
WATCH
BELT
OVER
UNDER
THROUGH
HARD TACO
DONE
GULP
M&M
SHOT
To avoid spoiling the fun too quickly, here are gentle hints for today’s puzzle:
Yellow group — no more, pointing to endings or things being finished.
Green group — like nuts and many introverts, pointing to things with shells.
Blue group — somewhere between sip and guzzle, pointing to different ways of drinking.
Purple group — corn and downward—would fit in here, pointing to terms linked with “dog.”
For anyone wanting quicker guidance, here are single-word nudges for each color:
Yellow group — OVER
Green group — SNAIL
Blue group — SHOT
Purple group — UNDER
Here are the full NYT Connections answers today, sorted into their proper groups:
Yellow group: Finished — COMPLETE, DONE, OVER, THROUGH
Green group: Things with shells — EGG, HARD TACO, M&M, SNAIL
Blue group: Swig — BELT, GULP, SHOT, SLUG
Purple group: ____dog — BULL, LAP, UNDER, WATCH
The September 9 puzzle balances easy wins with moments of hesitation. HARD TACO jumps out for the Greens and sets a corporate seal for "things with shells". The Yellow set also seems relatively easy, with DONE and COMPLETE quickly suggesting an "end" theme.
The real trouble lies, however, in the Blues and the Purples. In the Blues, BELT is an unlikely synonym for "swig," mediated only by awkward second thoughts. The Purples have a fun little spin involving "____dog" phrases that cleverly tie together LAP, WATCH, UNDER, and BULL. Words such as LAP and WATCH may initially appear to fit with "over," thus setting up a mini-misdirection.
Having straightforward and challenging elements makes the puzzle accessible while rewarding those who think carefully.
Today’s feature in NYT Connections truly celebrates the game’s best attributes: clear logic, cultural references, and some dazzling wordsmithing. They have been promising a lot, stating that the puzzle on September 9 may not rank as one of the hardest, but it is very engaging. Synonyms for "swig" and original uses of the "____dog" category set it above the mundane word lists.
They could be confidence builders today for those who keep a streak going, while at the same time, new players gain exposure to ways of finding a prominent anchor (HARD TACO) or subtle ways that one overlap can trick you.
Today’s answers under NYT Connections also bring forth recurring patterns to remind solvers that themes like endings, shells, and phrases usually appear in some guise later. It reaffirms why NYT games have become a favorite combining vocabulary work with moments of serenity that reward patience and curiosity.