The New York Times' word game remains to attract word game addicts with innovative and frequently difficult puzzles. Like Wordle, it has become a daily habit for a lot of people. Players aim each day to gather 16 words into 4 sets linked by associations.
The difficulty is in finding the unseen relationships, some of which are abstract.
For those having difficulty with today’s puzzle, this article gives helpful hints, the categories, and the complete solution to the crossword. Scroll carefully—spoilers ahead!
This is a new daily word game by The New York Times launched on June 12, 2023, NYT Connections. Designed by associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu, the game has become extremely popular for its combination of logic, vocabulary and lateral thinking.
The challenge is to place each of the 16 words into four sets of four words, each set is based on the same ana. Every group is coded in a particular colour to designate the level of difficulty:
Yellow: Easiest, straightforward category.
Green and Blue: Average, manufacturer is wordplay.
Purple: Most difficult, usually abstract or confusing.
Players have 4 attempts to correctly categorize all. Incorrect answers diminish the number of lives left. After all four colors have been solved, the game ends with the color-coded grid.
Feeling stuck? Here are some gentle hints to help without spoiling the whole solution:
Yellow: Describes a person's surroundings or environment.
Green: Refers to extraordinary or famous individuals.
Blue: Tools used by Architects and Building Planning.
Purple: Each message starts with the same word.
If the hints don’t do it, today’s puzzle category names are official:
Yellow: Milieu
Green: Luminary
Blue: Architectural Drawing Tools
Purple: Bar ___
Still stuck? Here are the complete answers:
Milieu: Circle, Scene, Sphere, World
Luminary: Great, Icon, Legend, Lion
Architectural Drawing Tools: Compass, Ruler, Stencil, T-Square
Bar ___: Chart, Exam, Mitzvah, Soap
The game features a grid of 16 words. Players must create four groups of four by identifying shared characteristics.
Steps to play:
Select four words that seem related.
Click the "Submit" button.
If correct, the group locks in and changes color.
If incorrect, a mistake is counted.
Players get four chances before the game ends.
Spot familiar patterns: Look for common categories such as colors, idioms, or professions.
Watch for misleading words: Some words fit multiple categories, creating false leads.
Shuffle the board: Rearranging the words can reveal new connections.
Think laterally: The most difficult category often involves idioms, puns, or creative interpretations.
NYT Connections has grown into a viral sensation, particularly on social media platforms. Fans frequently share their results, discuss tricky categories, and celebrate perfect scores.
The game's popularity lies in its simplicity combined with its mental challenge. It offers a satisfying daily brain exercise, making it a go-to for casual players and serious puzzle lovers alike.
NYT Connections continues to test vocabulary, reasoning, and creative thinking skills. The March 21, 2025 puzzle offered a mix of straightforward and tricky categories. Whether the challenge was conquered with ease or required a few extra attempts, each round strengthens word association abilities.
Check back tomorrow for a new puzzle, more hints, and fresh brain-teasing fun. Happy puzzling!