For fans of word puzzles, the New York Times Connections game offers a daily challenge that can be both rewarding and frustrating. On Friday, April 18, 2025, puzzle number 677 presented players with 16 words, each waiting to be grouped into four distinct categories. Today’s Connections game is no walk in the park; it’s a test of both vocabulary and lateral thinking.
As players dive into the puzzle, they often find themselves in a mental maze, trying to sort through the seemingly random assortment of words. The first step is to identify the categories, which range in difficulty from easy to hard, color-coded from yellow to purple. In this case, the four themes are: INTERJECTIONS, HORROR MOVIES WITH “THE,” THINGS YOU CAN PICK, and PERSONAL PROPERTY MINUS “S.”
The yellow category, which is typically the simplest, consists of words that evoke surprise or excitement: BOY, GOODNESS, MAN, and WOW. These interjections are common expressions that people use in everyday conversation, often reflecting astonishment or enthusiasm.
Meanwhile, the green category delves into the realm of cinema, specifically horror films that include the word “the” in their titles. The words in this group are BIRDS, EXORCIST, HAUNTING, and SHINING. Each of these films has left a mark on the horror genre, with classics that have terrified audiences for decades.
Next up is the blue category, which challenges players with items that can be picked: APPLE, BANJO, CARD, and NOSE. While this grouping may initially seem random, a closer look reveals a common thread linking these words together.
Finally, the purple category presents the most challenging theme, focusing on PERSONAL PROPERTY MINUS “S.” The words BELONGING, EFFECT, GOOD, and POSSESSION fit into this theme, showcasing how language can be playful and intricate.
For those new to the Connections game, the objective is to group these 16 words into sets of four that share a common theme. If you succeed, the groups lock in, but beware—incorrect guesses can lead to losing chances. Players have a total of four attempts before the game ends and the answers are revealed.
To assist players in navigating the puzzle, several hints can be useful. For the yellow group, think of words that form a reactive sentence. The green group hints at a scary theme, while the blue group suggests a theme related to 'picking.' Lastly, the purple group alludes to personal items with a twist on plurals.
As players work through the puzzle, they may find themselves making connections that initially seem elusive. The beauty of Connections lies in the “Aha!” moments that come from piecing together these seemingly unrelated words.
After much deliberation and a few false starts, the answers to today’s puzzle can be revealed. The yellow group contains the INTERJECTIONS: BOY, GOODNESS, MAN, and WOW. The green group comprises HORROR MOVIES WITH “THE”: BIRDS, EXORCIST, HAUNTING, and SHINING. For the blue category, the items you can pick are APPLE, BANJO, CARD, and NOSE. Lastly, the purple group highlights PERSONAL PROPERTY MINUS “S”: BELONGING, EFFECT, GOOD, and POSSESSION.
Players often share their experiences and strategies for solving the puzzle. Some suggest starting with the easiest groups to build confidence, while others recommend looking for double meanings or cultural references that might connect the words. If you find yourself stuck, consider shuffling the words or saying them aloud to see if new connections emerge.
Aside from the daily Connections puzzle, the New York Times offers other brain-teasing games, such as Wordle and the Spelling Bee, which cater to different interests and skill levels. Each game provides a unique challenge, ensuring that puzzle enthusiasts have plenty to keep them engaged.
Whether you’re a seasoned Connections solver or just starting out, the thrill of solving today’s puzzle is a shared experience among players. As the clock ticks down and the challenge intensifies, the satisfaction of cracking the code brings a sense of accomplishment.
So, if you’re looking for a daily dose of mental gymnastics, be sure to check back every day for the latest NYT Connections hints and answers. Each puzzle is a new opportunity to engage your mind and enjoy the playful side of language.
