**Connections: The Newest NYT Word Challenge Making Waves Online**
*Connections* is the latest word challenge brought to you by the *New York Times* that has rapidly captured attention. This game invites players to identify “common themes among words.” Much like *Wordle*, *Connections* resets each day at midnight, with each new puzzle increasing in complexity. If you find yourself in a bind, we have some hints and suggestions to assist you.
If you’re only interested in today’s answer, you can scroll to the bottom of this article for the November 19 *Connections* solution. However, if you prefer to tackle it yourself, continue reading for some useful clues and tactics.
### What is *Connections*?
The *New York Times* has just launched *Connections*, a daily word puzzle that has become a sensation on social media platforms. Developed in collaboration with associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu, the game is now featured in the *Times*’ Games section. You can enjoy *Connections* on both web browsers and mobile devices. The aim? To categorize four words that share a similar theme.
Each puzzle consists of 16 words that must be arranged into four distinct groups. These groups can include anything from book titles to software names, country names, and beyond. Although many words may appear to be related, there is only one valid answer.
When you successfully group four words, they are removed from the game board. However, be cautious—guessing incorrectly counts as an error. Players are allowed a maximum of four errors before the game concludes.
To assist with spotting connections, you can shuffle the board for easier navigation. The difficulty of each group is indicated by color: yellow is the simplest, followed by green, blue, and purple. And similar to *Wordle*, you have the option to share your results with friends on social networks.
### Hint for Today’s *Connections* Categories
Seeking a hint without giving away the categories? Here are some clues for today’s puzzle:
– **Yellow**: Specialist
– **Green**: Unlocking your phone
– **Blue**: Varieties of pasta
– **Purple**: Involves two entities
### Today’s *Connections* Categories
In need of further assistance? Here are the categories for today’s puzzle:
– **Yellow**: Area of Specialization
– **Green**: Methods to Unlock A Device
– **Blue**: Shapes of Pasta
– **Purple**: Double____
### Prepared for the Answers?
If you’re ready to see the solution, this is your final opportunity to back out before we disclose today’s answers.
Drumroll, please!
### The Solution to *Connections* #526 (November 19)
– **Area of Specialization**: CONCENTRATION, FIELD, FOCUS, SPECIALTY
– **Methods to Unlock A Device**: FACE, FINGERPRINT, PASSWORD, PIN
– **Shapes of Pasta**: EAR, ELBOW, RIBBON, WHEEL
– **Double____**: AGENT, DRIBBLE, JEOPARDY, STANDARD
Didn’t catch it this time? No worries! A new *Connections* puzzle will be available tomorrow, and we will return with more hints to support you.
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Looking for additional puzzles? Visit Mashable’s [games hub](https://games.mashable.com/) for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crosswords, and much more. And if you’re engaging with *NYT Strands*, we’ve got hints and answers for that as well!