NYT Connections Hints #845

NYT Connections Hints #836: Hints, Answers and Tips for 24 Sep 2025

ByAqib Shahzad

The New York Times Connections puzzle has quickly become a daily ritual for word game lovers around the globe. Its unique challenge of finding common threads between words offers a refreshing twist on classic puzzles. But some days, the connections are trickier than others. If you’ve found yourself staring at today’s grid and need a little help, you’re in the right place.

This guide will provide you with hints, tips, and the full answers for Connections #836 on September 24, 2025. Whether you need a gentle nudge or the complete solution, we’ve got you covered.

What is NYT Connections?

For those new to the game, NYT Connections is a daily puzzle where players are presented with a grid of 16 words. The objective is to sort these words into four groups of four, with each group sharing a common theme or category. The categories can be anything from “TYPES OF FISH” to “WORDS THAT FOLLOW ‘FIRE’.”

Players have four chances to guess the correct groupings. Each time you correctly identify a group, it’s assigned a color and removed from the board. The colors indicate the difficulty of the category:

  • Yellow: Easiest and most straightforward.
  • Green: Still relatively easy, but might require a bit more thought.
  • Blue: Moderately difficult, often involving more abstract connections.
  • Purple: The trickiest category, frequently relying on wordplay, puns, or less obvious links.

The puzzle’s clever design, crafted by associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu, has made it a viral sensation, joining the ranks of other popular NYT games like Wordle.

Today’s Connections Hints (September 24, 2025)

Stuck on today’s puzzle? Sometimes all you need is a small hint to get you on the right track. Here are some clues for each of the four categories in Connections #836, starting with the easiest.

Yellow Group Hint

Think about what you might watch at a cinema.

Green Group Hint

This category describes the act of dispersing or tossing things around.

Blue Group Hint

These items are known for their creased and folded surfaces.

Purple Group Hint

Each of these words can precede the same word to form a common phrase.

Today’s Connections Answers (September 24, 2025)

Ready to see the solutions? This is your final chance to go back and solve it yourself. If you’re ready for the answers, scroll down to see the complete list for Connections #836.

Yellow Group: Movie

  • FEATURE, FILM, FLICK, PICTURE

Green Group: Strew

  • LITTER, PEPPER, SCATTER, SPRINKLE

Blue Group: Wrinkly Things

  • BRAIN, CREPE PAPER, PRUNE, SHAR PEI

Purple Group: Sweet ___

  • POTATO, SIXTEEN, TALK, TOOTH

Effective Strategies for Solving Connections

While getting the answer is satisfying, improving your strategy can make the daily puzzle even more enjoyable. Here are some tips to help you master the Connections puzzle game.

1. Look for Straightforward Connections First

Always start by scanning the grid for the most obvious connections. The yellow category is designed to be the easiest, so try to identify it first. Look for simple categories like types of animals, synonyms, or items in a specific location. Finding the yellow group early builds momentum and reduces the number of words you have to consider for the harder categories.

2. Identify and Beware of Red Herrings

The puzzle designers are experts at creating “red herrings”—words that seem to fit into multiple categories. For example, if you see APPLE, ORANGE, and BANANA, you might also see CHERRY. While these are all fruits, CHERRY might belong to a different group like “PARTS OF A SLOT MACHINE.” Be cautious of groups that seem too obvious, especially if there are five or more words that could fit.

3. Shuffle the Board

Don’t underestimate the power of the “Shuffle” button. If you’re feeling stuck, rearranging the words can break you out of a mental rut and help you see new potential groupings. Seeing words next to different neighbors can spark new ideas and reveal connections you previously missed.

4. Think About Wordplay for Purple

The purple category is notorious for its trickiness. It often involves puns, homophones, or words that share a non-obvious link. If you’re left with four seemingly unrelated words, start thinking creatively. Ask yourself:

  • Do these words sound alike?
  • Can they all be followed or preceded by the same word?
  • Do they have a common, less-known meaning?

For example, a past purple category was “THINGS WITH KEYS,” which included PIANO, TYPEWRITER, FLORIDA, and VALET.

5. Step Away and Come Back

If you’ve used a few guesses and are still drawing a blank, take a break. Stepping away from the puzzle for a few minutes can give your brain a chance to reset. When you return with a fresh perspective, the solutions might seem much clearer.

Why We Love Puzzle Games Like Connections

Puzzle games offer more than just a fun way to pass the time; they provide significant cognitive benefits. Engaging with games like Connections, Wordle, and crosswords can help improve various mental skills.

  • Enhances Logical Reasoning: Connections requires you to identify patterns and make logical deductions, strengthening your problem-solving abilities.
  • Expands Vocabulary: You are constantly exposed to new words and their various meanings, which can enrich your vocabulary and understanding of language.
  • Boosts Memory: Regularly challenging your brain with puzzles can help improve memory retention and recall.
  • Reduces Stress: Focusing on a puzzle can be a form of mindfulness, providing a welcome distraction from daily stressors and allowing your mind to relax.

The sense of community around these games also adds to their appeal. Sharing results, discussing strategies, and celebrating a perfect score with friends creates a shared experience that makes the daily puzzle even more rewarding.

FAQs About NYT Connections

Where can I play NYT Connections?

You can play Connections on the New York Times Games website or through the NYT Games app, available on both iOS and Android devices.

Is NYT Connections free?

Yes, Connections is free to play. While some NYT Games content is behind a subscription paywall, Connections is currently available to everyone.

What happens if I don’t solve the puzzle?

You have four mistakes. If you use all four before correctly grouping all the words, the game ends, and the correct answers are revealed.

How is Connections different from Wordle?

Wordle is a word-guessing game where you try to find a single five-letter word in six attempts. Connections is a categorization game where you group 16 words into four themed sets. While both are daily word puzzles, they test different skills.

Sharpen Your Mind with Daily Puzzles

NYT Connections is a fantastic addition to the world of daily puzzles, offering a unique and satisfying challenge. Whether you’re a seasoned puzzle enthusiast or a newcomer, the tips and hints in this guide can help you tackle today’s puzzle and improve your skills for future games.

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t solve it perfectly every time. The real fun is in the daily challenge and the small thrill of discovery. Check back tomorrow for more hints and answers!

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