On March 23, 2025, the New York Times unveiled its latest edition of Connections, specifically puzzle #651, where players are faced with an engaging yet complex challenge—grouping 16 words into four distinct categories. With its simple premise of finding thematic links, the game has captivated a broad audience since its inception in June 2023.
The objective of Connections is both straightforward and tricky: players must identify four groups of words that share a common attribute, a task that combines linguistic agility with a touch of creativity. Among the hints released for today’s puzzle, players have reported the need for assistance as several of the connections proved particularly perplexing.
For instance, one hint suggested players look for something that captures attention, guiding them to the “Captivate” category. This group includes words like absorb, entrance, grab, and rivet. Each of these terms is synonymous with drawing focus or holding interest in various contexts.
Additionally, another category dubbed “Things With Wings” invites players to identify four words that epitomize this feature; that list comprises airplane, fairy, fly, and hospital. While the last may raise eyebrows due to its unusualness, particularly in the context of flight, it relates to aerial ambulances, reminding players of the multifaceted ways in which language operates.
The third category, “Words That Modify ‘Watch’,” is designed for those in search of words that typically precede time-related objects, such as pocket, smart, stop, and wrist. Each serves as a descriptor, indicating how these watches are intended to function or be used.
Lastly, the final category pairs closely with nursery rhymes, specifically referencing the well-known Miss Mary Mack clapping game. The group includes words back, black, buttons, and Mack. Such nostalgic references often elicit fond memories, especially among those who grew up repeating the rhyme. Completing this category often evokes a wave of reminiscence for players.
For those who found themselves stumped, the hints provided today offered an insightful glimpse into the connections and categories being explored. Hints included clues like, “These things share a common physical characteristic” and “these words relate to a well-known nursery rhyme.” Such linguistic clues highlight the blend of childhood nostalgia and the challenge of wordplay that defines the Connections experience.
In a broader context, Connections as a game has seen a rapid swell of popularity since becoming available. With new puzzles released daily at midnight, players remain engaged, exploring a variety of words and connections that vary in difficulty. As the puzzle continues to grow in appeal, many find the task of unraveling the thematic links not just entertaining, but also a welcome daily mental exercise.
Moreover, as the New York Times emphasizes, “Connections is a widely popular and free daily word game,” providing an accessible platform for all to engage in the puzzle-solving experience, regardless of their background in word games.
As players look forward to each day’s puzzle, the anticipation builds—what new words and challenges await? This engaging format encourages both solitary players and friends alike to gather together, share hints, and discuss strategies for tackling each puzzle’s challenge.
So for those players eager to dive into NYT Connections, each new puzzle serves as an opportunity to test both knowledge and creativity, bringing a spark of joy to the morning routine.
How did you fare with today’s puzzle? Did the hints provide the support you needed, or did another day of Connections leave you longing for the next set of challenges to solve? Gather your friends, compare answers, and prepare for tomorrow's adventure in wordplay!
With puzzles waiting to be unlocked, both individual players and communities alike will continue to enjoy NYT Connections as a stimulating way to engage creatively and socially every day.
