Hints
Today’s NYT Connections puzzle dives into a theme that might puzzle even the most seasoned solvers: “On key.” As you tackle these cleverly intertwined words, keep in mind that special characters are pivotal in unraveling today’s clues. If you feel stuck at any point, try focusing on shorter words, as finding three words with four letters or more will unlock a hint related to the theme.
Here are some clue words to get you started: RISE, TEAR, RILE, RILES, RILED, DESIRE, DESIRES, BRAT, BRATS, RACK, RACKET, TACK, BACK, HASH, BASH, RASH, RISK, RISKS. These words not only contribute to the overall puzzle but can also serve as stepping stones toward discovering the elusive theme-related words.
Answers
After some dedicated word searching, you’ll want to check in with the answers that encapsulate the theme. The goal is to identify every word, including the coveted spangram that spans from one side of the puzzle to the other. Today, the non-spangram answers include: CARET, TILDE, BRACKET, HASHTAG, ASTERISK, and UNDERSCORE. Each word plays on the puzzle’s “On key” motif.
The spangram for today’s challenge is SYMBOL. To track this down, begin with the S that is five letters down in the far-left column, and then wind your path around the grid to uncover the word.
As always, puzzle enthusiasts thrive on the excitement of these challenges, and reactions amongst fans can vary from delight to ranting about the difficulty of certain clues. When faced with a tricky puzzle, remember to take breaks and return with fresh eyes—sometimes the solution is just a moment of clarity away.