NYT Connections Puzzle Challenges Players With Difficult Themes

On Thursday, March 27, 2025, the New York Times released its latest puzzle for the popular game Connections, and this time players faced a formidable challenge. The puzzle, numbered 655, garnered a difficulty rating of 4.2 out of 5, indicating that participants would need to be sharp in order to group the words correctly.

Connections tasks players with finding thematic links among a grid of 16 words, arranging them into four distinct categories of four words each. This daily word game has become a favorite since its launch in June 2023, engaging players with its blend of vocabulary and strategy.

For those struggling with the clues, the hints provided for today’s puzzle were as follows:

• Yellow group: Affect — Think of arguments and the effect they might have on you.


• Green group: You got it! — Things you might yell when you solve a Connections puzzle.


• Blue group: Slang for money — Perhaps you keep this in your wallet.


• Purple group: Objects with the prefix “micro-” — Put something similar to 'small' in front of these words.

Players were tasked with identifying the correct words that fit into these categories. The answers for the Connections game on March 27, 2025, were:

• Affect: Move, Reach, Sway, Touch


• You Got It: Bingo, Correct, Ding, Right


• Slang for Money: Change, Green, Paper, Scratch


• Objects with the Prefix “Micro-”: Chip, Phone, Scope, Wave

As players navigated through the puzzle, they had to be cautious, as making four incorrect guesses would lead to an automatic reveal of the answers. The game not only tests vocabulary but also encourages strategic thinking as players shuffle words to discover the connections.

For many, the yellow group, which revolved around the concept of “Affect,” was particularly challenging. The words Move, Reach, Sway, and Touch all relate to emotional influence, but finding that connection can take some mental gymnastics.

The green group, titled “You Got It!”, featured the words Bingo, Correct, Ding, and Right, which are all expressions of affirmation, often exclaimed in excitement during games or quizzes. Meanwhile, the blue group focused on slang terms for money, with words like Change, Green, Paper, and Scratch fitting the bill.

Lastly, the purple group, which presented the most difficulty, included the words Chip, Phone, Scope, and Wave, all of which can be prefixed with “micro-.” This group often requires players to think outside the box, as the connections aren't always straightforward.

In addition to the hints and answers, the New York Times has introduced a Connections Bot, which allows players to analyze their performance after completing the puzzle. This feature tracks statistics such as win rates and streaks, adding a competitive edge to the experience.

As the popularity of Connections continues to rise, players are encouraged to engage with the game daily, testing their vocabulary and reasoning skills. The game not only provides entertainment but also fosters a sense of community among players who share tips and strategies.

For those who missed previous puzzles, the Times offers an archive of past Connections games, allowing players to catch up on any they may have missed. Whether you're a seasoned player or a newcomer, there's always a new challenge waiting each day at midnight.

As the clock ticks towards the next puzzle release, fans of Connections can look forward to another round of fun and brain-teasing wordplay, continuing the tradition of daily challenges that keep players coming back for more.