The latest Connections puzzle from the New York Times is here, inviting players to test their wits and creativity in categorizing words. Released on March 23, 2025, this puzzle, number 651, has been generating buzz among avid solvers looking for new challenges in word connection games.
Connections is a game from the New York Times that challenges you to find the association between words. It sounds easy, but it isn't—Connections categories can be almost anything, and they're usually quite specific. If you need a hand getting the answers, we've got you covered.
Today's puzzle tested players' abilities with a total difficulty rating of 2.6 out of 5, indicating that while it may not be the simplest execution, it's manageable for most solvers. Here’s a breakdown of each category along with the answers:
The first category, represented in yellow, is called "Captivate." This includes the words Absorb, Entrance, Grab, and Rivet. Each of these words describes a feeling of being drawn into something engaging.
Next, the green category is aptly named "Things With Wings," listing Airplane, Fairy, Fly, and Hospital. While the first three have literal interpretations related to flight, "Hospital" fits this category in a more abstract sense, as many hospitals have separate wings for different departments.
The blue category revolves around "Words That Modify 'Watch,'" featuring Pocket, Smart, Stop, and Wrist. Each of these terms logically pairs with the word 'watch,' helping to clarify their roles in phrases commonly used in everyday language.
Finally, the purple category contains words repeated in the children’s chant "Miss Mary Mack": Back, Black, Buttons, and Mack. This creative grouping evokes fond memories for many solvers and showcases the nostalgic aspect of Connections.
For those still grappling with today’s puzzle, it helps to consider some strategies. First, pay attention to the parts of speech. Are the words mostly verbs, nouns, or adjectives? Grouping them might reveal unexpected connections. Look for synonyms, but be cautious as Connections sometimes throws in misleading phrases to trip you up.
Another tip is to vocalize the words. Saying them aloud might trigger an association that leads to clearer connections once you hear the terms in context. It’s also essential to expect red herrings—words that seem like they fit a category but don’t—and to focus on distinct words that might easily form their own groups.
"Our testers rate each puzzle out of five according to its difficulty," according to the New York Times. This helps guide players on what to expect as they funnel their mental energy into solving different puzzles. Today's puzzle showcases the typical challenge that brings excitement to both new and returning players.
With these insights, players should be well-equipped to tackle today's Connections puzzle. If you didn’t finish this one, don’t be too hard on yourself—there's always tomorrow! The thrill of Connections is not just in solving but also in sharing the journey with fellow puzzlers. Don’t forget to post your solve grid in the comments and see how your scores line up with others as connections continue to form in this captivating word game.
