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The New York Times' Connections puzzle still exercises and tests word lovers every day. Puzzle #643 on March 15, 2025, brought new words for the players, with each containing hidden relationships to be figured out. It not only puts one's vocabulary to the test but also one's power to perceive connections among words that would otherwise appear to be unrelated.
Connections is a word association puzzle that provides a 16-word grid. The goal is to sort the words into four groups, each with four words that have something in common. The difficulty is in determining what these commonalities are, which can vary from simple to very abstract so that each day's puzzle is a different experience.
For those looking for a hint in the right direction without actually giving away the answers, here are some hints for today's categories:
Sharp Protrusions: Consider things or features that can prick or poke.
Features of Stringed Instruments: Look for parts usually found on instruments such as guitars or violins.
Litigation Verbs: Think of actions usually related to legal proceedings.
In "Star Light, Star Bright": Think of words from the old nursery rhyme that make a wish upon a star.
1. Sharp Protrusions
This category includes words that refer to pointed features with the ability to pierce or poke:
Barb: A pointed projection toward the tip of an arrow, fishhook, or the like, bent away from the central point to resist being pulled out.
Bristle: A hard hair or filament, usually on brushes or particular animals, which bristles up when the animal is upset.
Needle: A pointed, thin tool used for sewing or injections in medicine.
Spine: A hard, pointed thing on animals or plants, like a porcupine quill or a thorn on a cactus.
2. Features of Stringed Instruments
This category applies to elements often on instruments such as guitars, violins, and cellos:
Bridge: The section that holds the strings and transfers their vibrations to the instrument's body.
Neck: The long section where the strings are pressed to create various notes.
Peg: A tuning peg employed to change the tension of the strings, thus tuning the instrument.
String: The stretched wire or gut that sounds when vibrated.
3. Litigation Verbs
These are words that are verbs and are typically used in litigation:
Charge: To officially accuse an individual of a crime.
Move: To make an official request or motion in a courtroom environment.
Serve: To provide legal papers, such as a summons or subpoena, to an individual.
Sue: To take legal action against an individual.
4. In "Star Light, Star Bright"
This group takes its usage from the classic nursery rhyme:
May: Makes a wish or a hope.
Might: Another word for possibility or a wish.
Tonight: Means the evening or night being spoken of.
Wish: A hope or aspiration for something to occur.
Tactics for Conquering Connections Puzzles
To master Connections, use the following tactics:
Identify Obvious Groups First: Find words that go together, and this can help by narrowing down the list of words left over.
Think in Multiple Ways: Words with multiple meanings may belong to various categories, so think in broad terms about each word's possible relationship.
Beware of Red Herrings: Certain words appear to belong to multiple categories but are meant to be misleading. Be careful and examine all options before making a choice.
The March 15, 2025, NYT Connections puzzle demonstrated the potential of the game to combine language skills with problem-solving. With themes spanning from anatomical characteristics to timeless literature, players undertook a challenging yet rewarding mental exercise. With the evolution of Connections, the appeal of word puzzles in our lives continues to thrive.
