**Connections: The Trending NYT Word Game Making Waves Online**
*Connections*, a favorite among [New York Times word games](https://www.nytimes.com/games/connections), has captivated puzzle lovers everywhere. This game invites players to discover “common links among words,” providing a new and captivating experience on a daily basis. Similar to *Wordle*, [Connections](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-february-20-2024) refreshes at midnight, with each puzzle increasing in difficulty as the days go by. If you find yourself in a bind, we have hints and strategies to assist you.
For those who simply seek today’s answer, scroll down to the bottom of this article. If you’d prefer to solve the puzzle independently, continue reading for advice and clues to support you.
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### What Is *Connections*?
The *New York Times*’ new daily word game has taken social media by storm. Developed with assistance from associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu, *Connections* has rapidly established itself as a prominent feature in the *Times*’ Games section. The game is available on both web browsers and mobile devices, and its goal is straightforward yet clever: categorize four words that share a common theme.
Each challenge presents 16 words that you must classify into four separate categories. These categories can encompass anything from book titles to software names, countries, and beyond. Although some words may appear to fit together, there is a single correct arrangement for each group.
Successfully grouping four words removes them from the board. Conversely, incorrect guesses are counted as errors, permitting players up to four mistakes before the game concludes. For added convenience, players can reshuffle the board to unveil new combinations. Each category is color-coded, with yellow indicating the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. As in *Wordle*, players can share their outcomes on social media.
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### Tips for Solving *Connections*
Having difficulty discerning the connections? Here are some useful strategies:
1. **Identify clear themes**: Begin with words that exhibit obvious relationships, such as colors, animals, or renowned names.
2. **Utilize the shuffle feature**: Rearranging the board may help you recognize new combinations.
3. **Think creatively**: Some links may be less apparent, prompting you to consider idioms, cultural references, or puns.
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### Hint for Today’s *Connections* Categories
Looking for a gentle push in the right direction without revealing too much? Here are hints for today’s categories:
– **Yellow**: Small servings of food
– **Green**: Natural barriers that protect living things
– **Blue**: Forms the title of a cooking oil
– **Purple**: Iconic Stanley Kubrick horror film
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### Today’s *Connections* Categories
Still having trouble? Here are today’s categories to assist you:
– **Yellow**: Small Servings of Food
– **Green**: Natural Protective Layers
– **Blue**: “Extra Virgin Olive Oil”
– **Purple**: Featured in *The Shining*
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### Today’s *Connections* Solution
Prepared for the answers? This is your final opportunity to back out before we disclose today’s solution. Drumroll, please!
The solution to today’s *Connections* #596 is:
– **Small Servings of Food**: BITE, MOUTHFUL, SAMPLE, TASTE
– **Natural Protective Layers**: BARK, SCALES, SHELL, SKIN
– **”Extra Virgin Olive Oil”**: EXTRA, OIL, OLIVE, VIRGIN
– **Featured in *The Shining***: AXE, HEDGE MAZE, TWINS, TYPEWRITER
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Don’t be discouraged if you didn’t crack it this time—there’s always tomorrow! A new *Connections* puzzle will be ready for you, and we’ll return with more tips and answers to assist you.
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### Looking for More Puzzles?
If you enjoy *Connections*, consider exploring additional games! Visit [Mashable’s games hub](https://games.mashable.com/) for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crosswords, and more. And if you’re also engaging with *Wordle*, [here’s today’s solution](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-january-27-2025).
Missed yesterday’s *Connections*? [Discover the solution here](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-january-26-2025).