The New York Times daily Connections puzzle challenges players to group words based on hidden themes. Today’s edition, released on October 22, 2023, has been solved. Here’s a breakdown of the answers, from the easiest yellow category to the trickiest purple one.
Puzzle Breakdown and Solutions
The puzzle consists of sixteen words, divided into four groups of four. The goal is to identify the common thread linking each set. The difficulty varies considerably, with some categories designed to mislead players. The Times has even introduced a bot to track player performance, including win rates and perfect scores, for those who want to analyze their gameplay.
The Groups and Their Connections
Yellow Group: Utilities
The connection here is common household services. The words are:
– Electric
– Gas
– Telephone
– Water
Green Group: Adapt to Fit One’s Needs
This group requires a more abstract connection. The four words are:
– Fashion
– Mold
– Shape
– Tailor
Blue Group: Kinds of Ants
This category focuses on specific types of ants:
– Army
– Carpenter
– Fire
– Pharaoh
Purple Group: Copy ____
The most challenging category, this requires lateral thinking. The words are:
– Cat
– Pasta
– Right
– Writer
Tips for Future Puzzles
The Times Connections editors frequently use deceptive groupings to increase difficulty. One strategy is to vocalize the clue words, as the phrasing often hints at the correct connection. Another is to avoid jumping to obvious conclusions; the puzzle makers are known for intentionally misleading players. Breaking down compound words can also reveal unexpected relationships. For instance, a recent puzzle included “Rushmore,” where the connection was rock bands beginning each word.
The daily Connections puzzle is designed to test logical reasoning and pattern recognition. Players should approach each group with an open mind, considering multiple interpretations before settling on an answer.
