NYT Connections has quickly become one of the most addictive word games from The New York Times, rivaling the popularity of Wordle. The game challenges players to find hidden links between 16 words, grouping them into four distinct categories. Each puzzle resets at midnight, increasing in difficulty as the week progresses.
Unlike Wordle, which focuses on guessing a single word, Connections requires lateral thinking. The categories can range from simple word associations to clever wordplay, making it both fun and frustrating. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, understanding the game’s mechanics and today’s hints can make all the difference.
How to Play NYT Connections
Before diving into today’s hints, let’s break down how the game works:
- 16 Words, 4 Categories: The game presents a grid of 16 words. Your goal is to group them into four sets of four based on a common theme.
- Color-Coded Difficulty:
- Yellow: Easiest
- Green: Medium
- Blue: Hard
- Purple: Trickiest (often involves wordplay)
- Limited Mistakes: You get four incorrect guesses before the game ends.
- Shuffle Option: Rearrange words to spot connections more easily.
Pro Tips for Solving Connections
- Look for Obvious Pairs First – Start with words that clearly belong together.
- Watch for Multiple Meanings – Some words fit multiple categories (e.g., “Palm” can refer to a tree or a hand).
- Use the Shuffle Button – A fresh layout can reveal hidden patterns.
- Avoid Rushing – Think outside the box before submitting a group.
Now, let’s explore today’s puzzle.
Today’s NYT Connections Hints (April 3, 2025)
If you’re stuck on Connections #662, here are some clues to guide you without spoiling the answers.
General Hints for All Categories
- Yellow Category: Think of ways information is displayed publicly.
- Green Category: Items you interact with while grocery shopping.
- Blue Category: Objects that have literal or metaphorical “tabs.”
- Purple Category: Each word follows “Palm ___.”
Specific Word Groupings (Spoiler-Free Nudges)
- “ANNOUNCEMENT,” “BULLETIN,” “NOTICE” – All share a similar function.
- “CONVEYOR BELT,” “REGISTER,” “SCALE” – Found in a specific retail setting.
- “BROWSER,” “FOLDER,” “KEYBOARD” – Each has a clickable or physical tab.
- “BEACH,” “READER,” “SUNDAY” – They complete the phrase “Palm ___.”
Still struggling? Below are the full answers.
Today’s NYT Connections Answers (April 3, 2025)
Here’s the complete breakdown of today’s puzzle:
Yellow: Printed Notification
- ANNOUNCEMENT
- BULLETIN
- NOTICE
- POSTER
Why? These are all forms of printed or displayed public messages.
Green: Seen at a Grocery Store Checkout Counter
- CONVEYOR BELT
- REGISTER
- SCALE
- SCANNER
Why? These are common fixtures at supermarket checkouts.
Blue: Things with Tabs
- BROWSER (has browser tabs)
- FOLDER (physical tabs for organization)
- KEYBOARD (Tab key)
- SODA CAN (pull tab)
Why? Each item has a functional “tab,” either digital or physical.
Purple: Palm ___
- BEACH (Palm Beach)
- READER (Palm Reader)
- SUNDAY (Palm Sunday)
- TREE (Palm Tree)
Why? Each word completes a well-known phrase starting with “Palm.”
Why Today’s Puzzle Was Tricky
Many players struggled with:
- Overlapping Categories: Words like “READER” fit both “Palm ___” and tech-related groups.
- Literal vs. Figurative Tabs: “SODA CAN” was a curveball for those expecting only digital tabs.
- Grocery Terms: “SCANNER” vs. “READER” caused confusion in the green group.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where can I play NYT Connections?
You can play on The New York Times Games site or via their app.
2. Are there archives for past puzzles?
Yes, NYT All Access subscribers can access previous games.
3. How is Connections different from Wordle?
- Wordle: Guess one word in six tries.
- Connections: Group 16 words into four categories.
4. Can I play Connections offline?
No, an internet connection is required.
5. What’s the best strategy for solving Connections?
Start with the easiest group (yellow), eliminate words, and watch for wordplay in purple.
Final Thoughts
NYT Connections is a brilliant mix of vocabulary and logic. Today’s puzzle highlighted how deceptive simple words can be. Whether you aced it or needed hints, the fun lies in the challenge.
For more word game help, check out Mashable’s Connections guide or join the discussion on Reddit’s NYT Connections community.
