**Connections: The Latest Word Game Craze from The New York Times**
*Connections* is the latest word puzzle from *The New York Times* that’s taken the online world by storm. Much like the extremely popular *Wordle*, *Connections* prompts players to find “common links among words.” The game updates every day at midnight, with each new challenge getting a bit tougher. If you find yourself in a bind, we’ve got hints, tips, and strategies to assist you in solving today’s puzzle.
If you’re just after today’s answer, scroll to the bottom of this article. However, if you’d rather tackle it solo, continue reading for valuable clues and guidance.
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### What is *Connections*?
The *New York Times* has introduced another winner in its Games section with *Connections*, a daily word game that has rapidly become a favorite on social media. Developed with the help of associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu, *Connections* can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices. The objective? To categorize four words that share a similar theme.
Each puzzle presents players with 16 words that must be sorted into four separate categories. These categories might include anything from literature titles to currencies, country names, or even expressions. While some words may appear to fit together, there is only one correct grouping.
When players successfully identify a group of four words, those words are eliminated from the board. Conversely, incorrect guesses count as mistakes, and players can make up to four errors before the game concludes. To assist, players can shuffle the board for a better view of connections. The game employs color coding to signify difficulty: yellow for the simplest group, followed by green, blue, and purple. Similar to *Wordle*, players can share their outcomes on social media to compare with friends.
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### Hints for Today’s *Connections* Categories
Looking for a little guidance? Here are some hints for today’s categories without revealing the answers:
– **Yellow:** Marine life
– **Green:** Phrases used in auctions
– **Blue:** Currencies used globally
– **Purple:** Comes before “cup”
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### Today’s *Connections* Categories Unveiled
Still having trouble? Here’s a rundown of today’s categories:
– **Yellow:** Fish
– **Green:** Terms in an Auction-Ending Phrase
– **Blue:** Worldwide Currencies
– **Purple:** Words Leading to “Cup”
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### Today’s *Connections* Solution
Ready to discover the answers? This is your last chance to solve the puzzle before we disclose today’s solutions. Drumroll, please!
The solution to *Connections* #552 is:
– **Fish:** FLUKE, MULLET, SOLE, TANG
– **Terms in an Auction-Ending Phrase:** GOING, ONCE, SOLD, TWICE
– **Worldwide Currencies:** POUND, REAL, SOL, YUAN
– **Words Leading to “Cup”:** BUTTER, DIVA, SOLO, WORLD
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### Tips for Playing *Connections*
If you didn’t crack today’s puzzle, don’t fret—there’s always tomorrow! Here are some suggestions to enhance your gameplay:
1. **Identify clear connections first.** Begin with the simplest group (yellow) to gain momentum.
2. **Rearrange the board.** Shuffling the words may help you notice patterns you overlooked.
3. **Think creatively.** Some connections might not be straightforward, so consider synonyms, phrases, or cultural allusions.
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### Discover More Games
If you’re into puzzles, *Connections* isn’t the only game available. Explore *The New York Times*’ other selections, like *Wordle*, *The Mini Crossword*, or even *Strands*. For even more entertainment, visit Mashable’s [games hub](https://games.mashable.com/) for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crosswords, and much more.
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**Not the right day for you?** [Here’s the solution to yesterday’s *Connections*.](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-sports-edition-hint-answer-today-december-14)
Keep challenging your mind, and we’ll return tomorrow with additional hints, tips, and solutions!