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What makes the New York Times' word game 'Connections' so addictive? In this game player uncover hidden relationships between 16 unrelated words in this daily puzzle. The puzzles continue to get more difficult with each passing day, keeping players hooked. The brain teaser this week is another one in today’s ‘Connections’ #549, here’s everything you need to do to solve it.
NYT Connections is an entanglement game in which word are made to fit into four different categories. All set consist of four words linked by a common theme. Finding the right groupings among all of the many overlapping possibilities is the challenge. There are four attempts before the game ends to make errors. Sharp observation, logical thinking and a bit of creativity are all that it takes for success. Shuffling the board, hints and a dose of patience will usually make the difference.
Just need a little push in the right direction? Here are some hints for today’s Connections categories:
Yellow: A perfect place
Green: Involves physical effort
Blue: Combines words to form names
Purple: Contains synonyms for "friend" at the end.
These are cues that won’t lead you to the answer but at the same time it won’t expose you to the whole of the game. The fun is completed in piecing the puzzle together but for those who need more help, it’s below.
Today’s Connections categories are:
Utopia
Things You Shake
Proper Noun Portmanteaux
Synonyms for "Friend" Ending in Words
These themes include both physical actions, abstract ideas and linguistic twists. The brilliance of the puzzle can be found in the right combinations.
Can’t solve today’s puzzle? Here’s the answer to Connections #549:
Utopia: SEVENTH HEAVEN, PARADISE, XANADU, SEVENTH HEAVEN, SHANGRI-LA
Things You Shake: SNOWGLOBE, MAGIC 8 BALL, HAIRSPRAY, SALAD DRESSING
Proper Noun Portmanteaux: PARALYMPICS, POKEMON, WIKIPEDIA, JAZZERCISE
Words Ending in Synonyms for "Friend": PAYPAL, PRIMATE, KETCHUM, ROSEBUD
The key to success in "Connections" is to identify a pattern and reduce a field of possibilities. Look out for terms or actions that may serve to connect you to something (distinctive). Sometimes that shuffling of the board shows you how two things were lurking ahead of you, how two things you didn’t realize were related were actually connected.
It also helps to answer some questions regarding color coded difficulty levels. Yellow categories are very straightforward, while purple categories can even trouble seasoned players.
“Connections” has become one of the fastest rising words on the site as a new take on a word puzzle. Puzzle enthusiasts, whether they are known for logic or for creativity, have come to appreciate its blend of logic and creativity. Simple rules and infinite possibilities with this NYT Game is a definite winner. Tomorrow means more puzzles for those ready to try and power their way through the word association. Until then, have fun at solving today’s Connections.
