In this edition of NYT Connections, the puzzle designer has created four themes, each centered around a core clue. To help other players better understand the puzzle and quickly find the answers, I will guide you step by step from the clue → group word → specific words. Here’s the detailed solving guide.
1. Clue: REVEAL
Group Word: DIVULGE
Core Idea: Find actions related to sharing or revealing information, often secretly or unintentionally
- Clue Analysis: The clue "REVEAL" points to actions involving the sharing or disclosure of information, often in a secretive or unintentional manner.
- Group Word Association: The group word "DIVULGE" further emphasizes the theme of revealing information.
- Specific Words:
- BLAB: To reveal information carelessly or indiscreetly.
- DISH: To share gossip or private information.
- SPILL: To accidentally reveal information.
- TELL: To disclose or share information intentionally.
- Group Answer: BLAB, DISH, SPILL, TELL
Guiding Players:
- See the clue "REVEAL" and think of actions involving sharing or revealing information.
- Based on the group word "DIVULGE," confirm the theme is about "revealing information."
- Finally, find the specific words: BLAB, DISH, SPILL, TELL.
2. Clue: KEYS
Group Word: WORDS ON A MAC KEYBOARD
Core Idea: Find names of keys found on a Mac keyboard
- Clue Analysis: The clue "KEYS" points to the names of keys on a keyboard, specifically a Mac keyboard.
- Group Word Association: The group word "WORDS ON A MAC KEYBOARD" clarifies the context of Mac-specific keys.
- Specific Words:
- COMMAND: A key used for shortcuts on a Mac.
- CONTROL: A key used for system-level commands.
- OPTION: A key used for alternate functions or symbols.
- RETURN: A key used to execute commands or create new lines.
- Group Answer: COMMAND, CONTROL, OPTION, RETURN
Guiding Players:
- See the clue "KEYS" and think of the names of keys on a Mac keyboard.
- Based on the group word "WORDS ON A MAC KEYBOARD," confirm the theme is about "Mac keyboard keys."
- Finally, find the specific words: COMMAND, CONTROL, OPTION, RETURN.
3. Clue: ABBREVIATIONS
Group Word: WORDS SHORTENED IN ROCK GENRES
Core Idea: Find names of rock music genres that are often shortened or abbreviated
- Clue Analysis: The clue "ABBREVIATIONS" points to words that are shortened forms of rock music genres.
- Group Word Association: The group word "WORDS SHORTENED IN ROCK GENRES" clarifies the context of abbreviated rock genres.
- Specific Words:
- ALTERNATIVE: Often abbreviated as "Alt" (e.g., Alt-rock).
- EMOTIONAL: Often abbreviated as "Emo" (e.g., Emo-rock).
- POPULAR: Often abbreviated as "Pop" (e.g., Pop-rock).
- PROGRESSIVE: Often abbreviated as "Prog" (e.g., Prog-rock).
- Group Answer: ALTERNATIVE, EMOTIONAL, POPULAR, PROGRESSIVE
Guiding Players:
- See the clue "ABBREVIATIONS" and think of shortened forms of rock music genres.
- Based on the group word "WORDS SHORTENED IN ROCK GENRES," confirm the theme is about "abbreviated rock genres."
- Finally, find the specific words: ALTERNATIVE, EMOTIONAL, POPULAR, PROGRESSIVE.
4. Clue: PREFIX
Group Word: ___CAKE
Core Idea: Find words that can precede "CAKE" to form common types of cakes or cake-related terms
- Clue Analysis: The clue "PREFIX" points to words that can be placed before "CAKE" to form meaningful cake types or terms.
- Group Word Association: The group word "___CAKE" clarifies the structure of the cake-related terms.
- Specific Words:
- CHEESE: Forms "cheesecake," a popular dessert.
- CUP: Forms "cupcake," a small individual cake.
- PAN: Forms "pancake," a flat, round cake often served for breakfast.
- SHORT: Forms "shortcake," a type of cake often served with fruit.
- Group Answer: CHEESE, CUP, PAN, SHORT
Guiding Players:
- See the clue "PREFIX" and think of words that can precede "CAKE."
- Based on the group word "___CAKE," confirm the theme is about "cake-related terms."
- Finally, find the specific words: CHEESE, CUP, PAN, SHORT.
Summary and Solving Tips
- Start with the Clue: The clue is the key to solving the puzzle. Understand its meaning and then associate it with the group word.
- Group Word Defines the Theme: The group word narrows down the scope of the clue, helping you find the specific words more accurately.
- Verify Specific Words: Based on the clue and group word, identify the specific words and ensure they fit the theme.
- Practice and Accumulate Knowledge: Regular practice and expanding your vocabulary will improve your speed and accuracy in solving NYT Connections.
This guide is designed to help players navigate the puzzle by systematically moving from the clue to the group word and finally to the specific words. Happy solving!