
The New York Times Connections puzzle continues to engage and challenge with its unique word-grouping concept. For January 18, 2025, Puzzle #587 presents a stimulating set of clues and categories. Here is a detailed breakdown of today's puzzle, complete with hints, categories, and answers.
The puzzle requires grouping words into four categories based on common themes or relationships. Hints provide subtle guidance to help deduce the correct groupings.
Words evoke intense emotions or desires.
Words relate to items with edges, points, or sharpness.
Words reference aspects of music albums, such as content or contributors.
Words fit into the phrase "Turn the ___," implying transformation or a shift.
After working through the hints and logic, the correct groupings are as follows:
Words reflecting strong feelings or cravings:
DRIVE, IMPULSE, ITCH, URGE
Words associated with sharp, pointed objects:
SPINE, SPUR, STICKER, THORN
Words that describe details of an album:
ALBUM, ARTIST, LABEL, TRACK
Words completing the phrase "Turn the ___":
CORNER, PAGE, TABLES, TIDE
To succeed at Connections, strategic thinking and pattern recognition are key. Here are tips to improve puzzle-solving skills:
Identify words with obvious connections, such as those in the "Barb" category for today. Physical attributes often stand out.
For categories like "Turn the ___," focus on familiar expressions or idioms.
Words like "TRACK" and "TABLES" may have several interpretations. Examine how they fit into different groups.
Once a category is complete, remaining words become easier to sort.
Use the daily hints as a guide to test associations and refine guesses.
Connections puzzles challenge cognitive flexibility, making them unique in the realm of word games. Their appeal lies in:
Each puzzle introduces new, imaginative groupings that encourage players to think outside the box.
Themes like "Desire" and "Turn the ___" combine linguistic and cultural elements, adding depth to the puzzle.
These puzzles improve vocabulary, reasoning, and problem-solving skills, offering a rewarding mental workout.
Tomorrow brings a fresh Connections puzzle to challenge and entertain. Whether today's solution felt satisfying or tricky, every puzzle builds skills for future success. Stay tuned for more hints and solutions to keep improving and enjoying the challenge!