**All You Should Know About the NYT’s Favorite Word Game, *Connections***
*Connections* has rapidly gained popularity as one of the most cherished word games by *The New York Times*, enchanting players all around. The game invites you to discover “common threads between words.” Much like *Wordle*, *Connections* resets daily at midnight, with each fresh puzzle becoming more complex. Should you find yourself in a bind, we have hints and strategies ready to assist you.
If you’re just after today’s answer, scroll to the end of this piece. However, if you’d prefer to figure it out independently, continue reading for insights and clues to direct you.
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### What is *Connections*?
The *New York Times*’ newest word game has taken social networks by surprise. Developed with the assistance of associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu, *Connections* has become a mainstay in the *Times*’ Games section. The game is available on web browsers and mobile devices, and the goal is straightforward yet demanding: categorize four words that have a shared connection.
Every puzzle showcases 16 words that must be organized into four distinct groups. These categories can include everything from titles of books to software names, country designations, and beyond. While various words may appear to fit together, only one correct solution exists for each grouping.
Once you successfully identify a group of four words, they are taken off the board. However, each incorrect try is counted as an error, and players are permitted up to four mistakes before the game concludes.
To facilitate gameplay, users can shuffle the board for clearer visibility of connections. The game also employs a color-coded difficulty system: yellow represents the easiest level, succeeded by green, blue, and purple. Just like *Wordle*, you can share your results with friends via social media.
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### Hints for Today’s *Connections* Categories
Need a little push in the right way? Here are some tips for today’s categories:
– **Yellow:** Creatures recognized for their slippery or moist nature.
– **Green:** Items that glow or emit light, either naturally or artificially.
– **Blue:** Cultural icons linked to the Netherlands.
– **Purple:** Words concluding with terms like “fall” or “drop.”
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### Today’s *Connections* Categories
Still facing challenges? Here are today’s categories to assist you:
– **Yellow:** Slimy Creatures
– **Green:** Items That Shine
– **Blue:** Netherlands Icons
– **Purple:** Ending with Words Synonymous with “Plunge”
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### Today’s *Connections* Solution
Prepared for the answers? This is your final opportunity to look away before we unveil today’s solution!
Drumroll, please…
The solution to today’s *Connections* #572 is:
– **Slimy Creatures:** EARTHWORM, EEL, SALAMANDER, SLUG
– **Items That Shine:** AURORA, FIREFLY, GLOWSTICK, RADIUM
– **Netherlands Icons:** CANAL, CLOG, TULIP, WINDMILL
– **Ending with Words Synonymous with “Plunge”:** GATECRASH, RAINDROP, SKYDIVE, WATERFALL
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Don’t fret if you didn’t complete it this time—there’s always the next day! A new *Connections* puzzle will be ready for you, and we’ll return with more useful hints to support you.
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### Interested in Additional Games?
If you enjoy puzzles, navigate to Mashable’s [games hub](https://games.mashable.com/) for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crosswords, and more!
Want to revisit yesterday’s *Connections*? [Here’s the answer to yesterday’s puzzle](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-december-31).
And if you’re also engaging with *Wordle* or *Strands*, we’ve got hints and solutions for those games as well. Keep exercising your mind and enjoying the fun!