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: HINT
Group Word: GLIMMER
Core Idea: Find words that describe a small or subtle indication of something
- Clue Analysis: The clue "HINT" points to words that describe a subtle or small indication of something.
- Group Word Association: The group word "GLIMMER" further emphasizes the theme of subtle indications.
- Specific Words:
- HINT: A slight or indirect suggestion.
- SUGGESTION: An idea or proposal that implies something.
- TOUCH: A small amount or trace of something.
- TRACE: A barely detectable amount or sign of something.
- Group Answer: HINT, SUGGESTION, TOUCH, TRACE
Guiding Players:
- See the clue "HINT" and think of words that describe subtle indications.
- Based on the group word "GLIMMER," confirm the theme is about "subtle hints."
- Finally, find the specific words: HINT, SUGGESTION, TOUCH, TRACE.
2. Clue: MATCH
Group Word: CORRESPOND WELL WITH
Core Idea: Find words that describe actions or states where things fit or go well together
- Clue Analysis: The clue "MATCH" points to words that describe things fitting or going well together.
- Group Word Association: The group word "CORRESPOND WELL WITH" clarifies the context of things matching or complementing each other.
- Specific Words:
- COMPLEMENT: To complete or enhance something by adding to it.
- FIT: To be suitable or appropriate for something.
- MATCH: To correspond or be similar to something.
- SUIT: To be appropriate or fitting for a particular purpose.
- Group Answer: COMPLEMENT, FIT, MATCH, SUIT
Guiding Players:
- See the clue "MATCH" and think of words that describe things fitting or going well together.
- Based on the group word "CORRESPOND WELL WITH," confirm the theme is about "things matching or complementing each other."
- Finally, find the specific words: COMPLEMENT, FIT, MATCH, SUIT.
3. Clue: CHARACTERS
Group Word: FAMOUS PUPPETS
Core Idea: Find names of famous puppet characters from TV shows or entertainment
- Clue Analysis: The clue "CHARACTERS" points to names of famous puppet characters.
- Group Word Association: The group word "FAMOUS PUPPETS" clarifies the context of well-known puppet characters.
- Specific Words:
- LAMB CHOP: A famous puppet character from the children's show Lamb Chop's Play-Along.
- OSCAR: The grouchy puppet from Sesame Street.
- PUNCH: The main character from the puppet show Punch and Judy.
- TRIUMPH: The insult comic dog puppet from Late Night with Conan O'Brien.
- Group Answer: LAMB CHOP, OSCAR, PUNCH, TRIUMPH
Guiding Players:
- See the clue "CHARACTERS" and think of famous puppet characters.
- Based on the group word "FAMOUS PUPPETS," confirm the theme is about "well-known puppet characters."
- Finally, find the specific words: LAMB CHOP, OSCAR, PUNCH, TRIUMPH.
4. Clue: BREEDS
Group Word: DOG BREEDS MINUS “ER” SOUND
Core Idea: Find names of dog breeds, but each is missing the "ER" sound at the end
- Clue Analysis: The clue "BREEDS" points to dog breeds, but with the "ER" sound removed from the end.
- Group Word Association: The group word "DOG BREEDS MINUS ‘ER’ SOUND" clarifies the context of dog breeds with the "ER" sound omitted.
- Specific Words:
- BOX: From "Boxer" (a breed of dog).
- POINT: From "Pointer" (a breed of dog).
- RETRIEVE: From "Retriever" (a breed of dog).
- SET: From "Setter" (a breed of dog).
- Group Answer: BOX, POINT, RETRIEVE, SET
Guiding Players:
- See the clue "BREEDS" and think of dog breeds with the "ER" sound removed.
- Based on the group word "DOG BREEDS MINUS ‘ER’ SOUND," confirm the theme is about "dog breeds without the 'ER' sound."
- Finally, find the specific words: BOX, POINT, RETRIEVE, SET.
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!