In the latest edition of The New York Times' popular word puzzle game, Connections, players faced a fresh challenge on March 28, 2025. The game, which has gained immense popularity since its launch in 2023, requires participants to sort 16 words into four thematic categories based on their associations. With each category color-coded to indicate difficulty, players were tasked with grouping words from various themes, ranging from the straightforward to the more complex.
For those who may have struggled with today’s puzzle, here’s a breakdown of the hints and answers for Connections #656. The game is designed to test players' ability to identify connections among seemingly unrelated words, making it both a fun and challenging experience. As players dive into the game, they can expect to encounter not just straightforward word associations but also clever wordplay and homophones that add an extra layer of complexity.
The categories for today’s puzzle were organized by difficulty, with yellow being the easiest and purple the most difficult. The yellow category, labeled "HURL," included the words CHUCK, PELT, PITCH, and SLING. These words all relate to actions involving forceful throwing, making them relatively easy to identify for seasoned players.
Next up was the green category, titled "BE ON BOTH SIDES OF," which contained the words BOOKEND, BRACKET, FLANK, and SURROUND. This grouping required a bit more thought, as players had to consider how each word could describe positioning relative to another object or person.
The blue category was themed around "PARTS OF A CLASSIC GIRL SCOUT UNIFORM," featuring the words BADGE, BERET, SASH, and SKIRT. For those familiar with Girl Scout attire, this category might have been a welcome relief, but it could also pose a challenge for those less acquainted with the specifics of the uniform.
Finally, the purple category, deemed the most challenging, was represented by the theme "___ HALL." The words BINGO, CITY, MONTY, and STUDY were included here, requiring players to think of common phrases that could precede the word "Hall." This category often stumps players, as it demands not only knowledge of language but also cultural references.
As players navigated through the puzzle, they could utilize hints provided to help clarify the patterns. For instance, the yellow category was associated with actions involving forceful throwing, while the green category focused on positioning. The blue category highlighted items associated with Girl Scouts, and the purple category required knowledge of phrases commonly used in everyday language.
Wyna Liu, a puzzle editor at The New York Times, shared some valuable advice for players tackling Connections. She emphasized the importance of patience, advising players to wait before making guesses. "You may see the board and have completely identified the category, seeing five words that could belong in that category," Liu noted. "Don’t try to guess the four words in that category because, even though you know what the fifth member is, you won’t know which of the four it might not be." This strategic approach can save players from premature submissions that might lead to incorrect guesses.
For those who successfully solved today’s Connections puzzle, congratulations are in order! However, if you found yourself struggling, don’t fret. The NYT Connections puzzle refreshes daily, providing another chance to engage your brain with a new set of words and categories. Players can also revisit previous puzzles through the Connections archive, available to All Access and Games Subscribers, which allows them to play every puzzle dating back to June 12, 2023.
The NYT Connections game continues to captivate audiences, standing as the second-most-played game behind the immensely popular Wordle. With its combination of word association, strategic thinking, and a sprinkle of competitive spirit, it offers a delightful way for puzzle enthusiasts to challenge themselves and sharpen their minds.
As we wrap up the analysis of today’s Connections puzzle, players are reminded that the joy of solving puzzles lies in the challenge itself. Whether it’s through wordplay or thematic associations, each game presents an opportunity to learn and grow. So, keep practicing, and don’t forget to check back tomorrow for another round of Connections!
