Hints for NYT Connections Today: Tips and Solutions for December 18, 2025

The Connections puzzle from the NYT today is doable if you have some knowledge of Hollywood.

Connections stands out as one of the most beloved word games from the New York Times that has caught the public’s interest. The challenge entails recognizing “common themes among words.” In a manner akin to Wordle, Connections refreshes after midnight each day, with every new collection of words becoming progressively tougher—which is why we’ve gathered some clues and advice to assist you.

If you seek the solution to today’s puzzle, proceed to the conclusion of this article. Alternatively, if you’d like to tackle it on your own, keep reading for hints, tips, and techniques to aid you.

SEE ALSO:

Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Engage in games on Mashable

What is Connections?

The NYT‘s newest daily word challenge has emerged as a phenomenon on social media. The Times acknowledges associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu for her role in developing the new word game and incorporating it into the publication’s Games section. Players can enjoy Connections on both web and mobile platforms, with the objective of categorizing four words that have a shared connection.

Every puzzle consists of 16 words organized into four categories. These sets can range from book titles to software names or country names. Even though many words may appear to fit, there is only a single correct solution.

If a player successfully identifies all four words in a category, those words disappear from the board. An incorrect guess is considered a mistake—players are allowed a maximum of four mistakes before the game concludes.

Players have the option to rearrange and shuffle the board to facilitate the identification of connections. Each group is assigned a color code, with yellow being the simplest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Similar to Wordle, you can share your results with friends via social media.