In recent years, word games have surged in popularity, capturing the interest of countless players around the globe. Among these, the New York Times has successfully launched two notable examples: Connections and Wordle. Both games present unique challenges and foster a sense of community among those who engage with them, providing an enjoyable experience as players seek solutions.
Connections, the latest addition to the New York Times' puzzle lineup, tasks players with finding common threads among a set of words. Each game resets at midnight, providing a fresh puzzle every day. The game is designed to be accessible across multiple platforms, allowing fans to play through web browsers and mobile devices alike.
In a typical Connections puzzle, players must group 16 words into categories that share a connection, with each category containing four words. Once players correctly identify a group, those words are removed from the pool. However, players must tread carefully, as they are allowed only four mistakes before the game ends. The words are color-coded to guide players through the process: yellow indicates the easiest category, followed by green, blue, and purple.
As of March 21, 2025, today's Connections categories include:
- Milieu: CIRCLE, SCENE, SPHERE, WORLD
- Luminary: GREAT, ICON, LEGEND, LION
- Architectural Drawing Tools: COMPASS, RULER, STENCIL, T-SQUARE
- Bar ___: CHART, EXAM, MITZVAH, SOAP
For players keen on cracking these puzzles, a few hints can alleviate the struggle. For instance, the yellow category focuses on environmental terms, while the architectural drawing tools feature items essential for building planning. With these clues, players can enhance their chances of successfully solving the game.
Switching gears to another beloved word game, Wordle has gained immense fame since its inception. Created by Brooklyn-based engineer Josh Wardle, this engaging puzzle was born out of a desire to entertain during the COVID-19 pandemic. Released in October 2021, Wordle quickly captured public interest and was acquired by the New York Times in January 2022 for a significant sum.
Playing Wordle requires users to guess a daily five-letter word, utilizing color-coded feedback to refine their guesses: green signifies a letter is in the correct position, while yellow implies the letter is present but in the wrong place. Gray indicates the letter is absent from the word entirely. Each player must use strategy and logic to eliminate possibilities and arrive at the correct answer.
On March 21, 2025, the clues for Wordle #1,371 include:
- It starts with the letter "N."
- There are no repeated letters.
- The answer is one syllable.
- "Brush" is a synonym.
- It rhymes with "fudge."
After carefully deducing the clues, eager players can reveal that today's answer is Nudge, a term defined by Merriam-Webster as a gentle touch or push, especially to seek attention or prompt into action. For those who manage to guess it correctly, it is a point of pride. However, failure to solve the puzzle on the first go should not be disheartening; players can always look forward to another daily challenge waiting at midnight.
Wordle not only engages players but also creates a shared experience, as participants across the globe solve the same puzzle at the same time. As Wardle noted in a 2022 interview with Newsweek, "the most fulfilling part of Wordle is that everyone around the world was trying to solve the exact same word at the exact same time," which indeed fosters a unique community spirit.
Bringing these two word games together, both Connections and Wordle offer players a chance not only to sharpen their vocabulary and puzzle-solving skills but also to connect with others who share their passion. In essence, these games are more than just individual challenges; they cultivate a collective enthusiasm that showcases the joy of wordplay, connecting people through shared experiences.
Both word games promise fresh excitement daily and an intellectual challenge for their players. As fans continue to explore the intricacies of Connections and Wordle, the popularity of these games suggests they will remain favorites for puzzle enthusiasts. With vibrant communities on social media dedicated to sharing tips, strategies, and successes, the future of word games looks bright.
