As the clock struck midnight on April 14, 2025, puzzle enthusiasts eagerly turned their attention to the New York Times Connections game, a daily word challenge that has quickly captured the hearts of many. With its premise of uncovering connections between seemingly unrelated words, it has become a staple for those looking to stretch their mental muscles.
For today’s puzzle, designated as #673, players were greeted with a mix of familiar themes and clever wordplay. The game challenges participants to group 16 words into four categories, each containing four words that share a common thread. The categories range in difficulty, with color coding to guide players: yellow for the easiest, green for easy, blue for medium, and purple for the hardest.
To assist those who might be struggling, various hints were provided, offering a glimpse into the connections that could be made. The hints for the yellow category suggested a theme of restriction, prompting players to think about words that imply stopping or blocking something. The green category hinted at events that require tickets, while the blue category alluded to terms associated with a beloved classic computer game. Finally, the purple category teased a common name that could refer to several well-known figures.
As players worked through the puzzle, the words began to take shape within their respective categories. The yellow group, focused on the theme of restriction, included the words BLOCK, CHECK, DAM, and STOP. Each of these words relates to the idea of impeding or halting progress, perfectly aligning with the clues provided.
The green category, which revolved around ticketed events, featured CONCERT, GAME, MOVIE, and PLAY. These words are all types of entertainment that typically require an admission fee, making them a fitting match for the hints.
Moving on to the blue category, players found words associated with the classic game The Oregon Trail: DYSENTERY, FORD, HUNT, and OXEN. Each of these terms evokes memories of the challenges faced by players navigating the treacherous journey westward in the game, a nostalgic nod for many who grew up in the era of early computer gaming.
Lastly, the purple category presented a more nuanced challenge, with words that could refer to the name Ford. This group included ACTOR, CAR, DIRECTOR, and PRESIDENT. Each of these words connects to a notable Ford, whether it be the famous actor Harrison Ford, the automobile brand, the director John Ford, or the former U.S. President Gerald Ford.
As players pieced together the connections, the satisfaction of solving the puzzle grew. The challenge of identifying the correct groupings can be daunting, especially with the potential for red herrings designed to throw off even the most seasoned players. However, those who persevered were rewarded with a sense of accomplishment and perhaps a few laughs at the cleverness of the game.
Connections has not only become a daily ritual for many but has also fostered a sense of community among players. Sharing scores and strategies on social media has become commonplace, with individuals encouraging each other to improve their scores and tackle the puzzles with renewed vigor. This social aspect adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the game, making it more than just a solitary challenge.
For those who may not have completed today’s puzzle or are looking for a little extra help, the answers for puzzle #673 are as follows:
- Yellow category (Restrict): BLOCK, CHECK, DAM, STOP
- Green category (Ticketed Events): CONCERT, GAME, MOVIE, PLAY
- Blue category (Associated with The Oregon Trail): DYSENTERY, FORD, HUNT, OXEN
- Purple category (What “Ford” Might Refer To): ACTOR, CAR, DIRECTOR, PRESIDENT
With each passing day, Connections continues to challenge and entertain its players, ensuring that there’s always something new to explore. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the game, the thrill of finding connections and the joy of completing the puzzle remains a captivating experience.
As the game resets daily, players can look forward to new words and themes, keeping the excitement alive. So, if you’re ready to test your wits again, set your alarms for midnight and dive into the next round of Connections!
