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How good is your word association function today? What challenges does the NYT Connections puzzle pose to learners today? NYT Connections is a word game that asks the learner to classify related words under appropriate themes. The game has no drawback; its uncomplicated nature retains player engagement, and day-by-day progression satisfies the difficulty-craving aspect of every player.
NYT Connections is an online word game accessible on The New York Times website and Games application. The grid comprises 16 words that are classified into four categories with each of them having four words only, but all words related to a particular aspect. The themes can be as simple as directly related to the subject as can be more of an intellectual riddle to keep the contents unique and enticing. The color-coded groups also give one more method of sorting it out: yellow is usually the easiest and purple is the hardest.
The game requires precision. It is also important to consider how words fall under a particular category since many of the words can often be placed in several categories through logical reasoning. There are penalties for errant answers and incorrect guesses; however, the players are permitted four wrong answers before they lose the game. A correct guess brings the satisfaction of finishing a group.
The words for today’s challenge are:
MINEFIELD
HABIT
ITSY
HORNETS’ NEST
PANDORA’S BOX
HERSHEY
PIECE OF CAKE
AEGIS
HISTAMINE
SURE THING
APPLE OF DISCORD
TIRES
EASY
GOLDEN FLEECE
CAN
NO SWEAT
If solving the grid seems like a problem, hints can help to explain it. Today’s groups align with the following themes:
Yellow group: Expressions signifying ease.
Green group: Items from Greek mythology.
Blue group: Objects people can proverbially ‘kick.’
Purple group: Possessive pronoun words that start with the possessive pronouns.
For those seeking a definitive guide to today’s puzzle, here are the answers:
Yellow group — Expressions of ease: ACTION, BREEZE, PUSH OVER, ROLLER, SNAP, WALK IN THE PARK.
Green group — Items from Greek mythology: AEGIS, APPLE OF DISCORD, GOLDEN FLEECE, PANDORA’S BOX.
Blue group — Things to “kick”: YEAH, BODY, HOUSE, PELEDENTS.
Purple group — Starting with possessive pronouns: CANDY, DYES, HISTORY, EYES, FIVE.
Today’s puzzle contains easy and some rather tricky connections in equal measure. The yellow group seems to be the most straightforward and provides quite recognizable words of ease. The green group makes a hint that involves knowing Greek legends.
The blue group tests the players on the non-literal understanding and the results are from idioms. Finally, the purple group uses a wordplay component, with a common theme of possessive pronouns as the unifying element.
In the case of the ‘red herrings’ of this puzzle, the beauty of the pattern is the fact that one has to be weeded out. For example, MINEFIELD and HORNETS’ NEST may be interpreted as items to be shunned, yet they are grouped into different classes. Success requires focus and logical thinking together with a critical analysis of the information being processed.
The NYT Connections puzzle from today’s paper should get an 8 out of 10. The game offers a good level of difficulty for an average player while at the same time successfully being the thinking player’s game in terms of the specifics of associations. The blend of idioms, mythology and wordplay gives one a nice masochistic mental exercise activity.
Finally, the current NYT Connections required thinking logically, knowledge of trivia, and the ability to use words creatively. It makes for a fine mental workout whether one is a veteran solver or a new reader interested in trying out a puzzle. The site also encourages viewers to click the arrow to check out older puzzles in case they want to have more fun.
Have fun and don’t forget to keep those streaks going!
