**Connections: The Latest Word Game Sensation from The New York Times**
*Connections* is the latest word game from the [*New York Times*](https://www.nytimes.com/games/connections) that has rapidly attracted attention. The game invites players to uncover “common threads among words.” Like *Wordle*, [*Connections*](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-february-20-2024) resets daily at midnight, with new puzzles becoming increasingly challenging. If you find yourself at an impasse, we have some advice and hints to assist you.
If you’re simply seeking today’s answer, scroll to the bottom for the November 16 *Connections* solution. But if you would rather tackle it on your own, continue reading for useful clues and strategies.
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### What is *Connections*?
The *New York Times*’ latest daily word game has taken social media by storm. Associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu is recognized for her role in developing *Connections*, which is featured in the *Times*’ Games section. The game can be accessed on both web and mobile platforms, with the aim of categorizing four words that are related.
Each puzzle presents 16 words, which must be sorted into four groups. These groups can involve themes ranging from book titles to software, country names, and more. Although several words might appear to fit together, only one correct combination exists for each grouping.
When a player successfully groups four words, they are taken off the board. However, incorrect guesses are counted as errors, and players may make up to four mistakes before the game concludes.
To simplify the process, participants can shuffle the board to better identify connections. Each category is color-coded: yellow indicates the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Similar to *Wordle*, players can share their outcomes on social media with friends.
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### Hint for Today’s *Connections* Categories
Need a little push without giving away the categories? Here are some clues for today’s puzzle:
– **Yellow**: Keep something away
– **Green**: Various types of caps
– **Blue**: Mascots of football teams
– **Purple**: Go
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### Today’s *Connections* Categories
If you’re after a bit more assistance, here are today’s categories:
– **Yellow**: Items That Stop Leaks
– **Green**: Types of Hats
– **Blue**: College Football Team Members
– **Purple**: Go____
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### Ready for the Solutions?
This is your final opportunity to step back if you wish to solve the puzzle on your own. Otherwise, here are the answers for *Connections* #524:
– **Items That Stop Leaks**: CAP, COVER, PLUG, SEAL
– **Types of Hats**: BERET, DERBY, PILLBOX, SNAPBACK
– **College Football Team Members**: GATOR, SOONER, VOLUNTEER, WOLVERINE
– **Go____**: BANANAS, COMMANDO, FIGURE, ROUGE
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Don’t fret if you didn’t nail it this time—another *Connections* puzzle will be available tomorrow, and we’ll return with additional hints to support you.
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Looking for more challenges? [Mashable’s games hub](https://games.mashable.com/) offers a variety of options including Mahjong, Sudoku, free crosswords, and more. If you are also engaged in *NYT Strands*, be sure to check out [today’s hints and answers](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-november-15).
Missed out on yesterday’s *Connections*? [Here’s the answer to yesterday’s puzzle](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-sports-edition-hint-answer-today-november-16).