Hints
If you’re diving into today’s NYT Connections puzzle, you’ll be greeted with a stimulating challenge. The intrigue runs deep, thanks to a blend of clever wordplay and thematic links. As you unravel the clues, keep a keen eye on categories and patterns—they often reveal more than you might initially expect. Here are some spoiler-free hints to guide your solving process:
- For the word associations, think about common themes that might connect seemingly disparate words. Look for relationships based on context or common usage.
- Don’t hesitate to break down larger words into smaller parts. Sometimes, a longer word holds the key to unlocking the others around it.
- Remember the function of each word in its category. Are you identifying nouns, verbs, or adjectives? This can significantly influence how words relate to each other.
- Explore synonyms and antonyms that might fit the clues provided. A broader vocabulary can give you an edge in connecting the dots.
Reflect on what you already know about word associations and keep your mind open to potential links between the clues.
Answers
Ready for the complete rundown? Here’s a clear list of today’s answers to the NYT Connections puzzle, all neatly categorized:
Across:
- 1A: NBA (Org. with a Slam Dunk Contest)
- 4A: ORC (Menacing creature in “The Lord of the Rings”)
- 7A: ORB (Spherical shape)
- 8A: RHO (Greek “r”)
- 9A: RAINBOW (Symbol on Hawaii’s license plate)
- 11A: TVGUIDE (Magazine with show listings)
- 12A: HEARTED (Showed support to, as a text message)
- 13A: RISES (Moves up the rankings)
- 14A: LED (Kind of lighting whose first letter stands for “light”)
Down:
- 1D: NORTH (The Australian continent moves subtly this direction each year, about 3 inches)
- 2D: BRAVER (More courageous)
- 3D: ABIGAIL (Virginia governor Spanberger)
- 4D: ORBITED (Went around the world?)
- 5D: RHODES (Colossus of ___, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World)
- 6D: COWED (Intimidated)
- 10D: NURSE (Hospital worker)
Puzzle enthusiasts never fail to share their reactions and strategies on social media, often finding joy in the process as much as the final solution. Embrace the challenge, engage with your fellow solvers, and keep honing your skills for the next exciting round in the world of puzzles and word games, including Connections. Puzzle-solving is as much about the journey as it is about reaching the finish line, so savor each moment!