Every day, puzzle enthusiasts eagerly await the release of the New York Times’ daily word game, Connections, which goes live at midnight local time. This Friday, August 8, brings another challenging puzzle, and we’re here to provide you with the hints and answers to help you solve it.
Before diving into today’s puzzle, let’s take a quick look at how the game works. Connections is a free game available on the New York Times website and its Games app. Players are presented with a grid of 16 words, and the objective is to categorize them into four groups of four by identifying the links between them. Each puzzle has a unique solution, and players must be cautious of words that might fit into multiple categories.
How to Play NYT Connections
The game is structured with color-coded groups: yellow, green, blue, and purple. Typically, the yellow group is the simplest to identify, while the purple group often involves more complex wordplay. Players can shuffle the words to better visualize connections and must submit their guesses carefully, as incorrect attempts result in losing a life. After four mistakes, the game ends.
For those who subscribe to the NYT All Access or Games subscription, an archive of past Connections games is available, allowing players to revisit and play previous puzzles. Additionally, hints for most games can be found online, providing extra assistance when needed.
Today’s Connections Hints and Answers
Now, let’s delve into today’s puzzle. The 16 words you need to work with are:
- DEGREE
- DRAW
- PAC-MAN
- VEST
- PAINT
- PRESENT
- TIE
- DOODLE
- MARVEL
- SQUARE
- SPACE
- EVEN
- DOZE
- GRANT
- CONFER
- PASS NOTES
Here are the hints for today’s groups:
- Yellow group — restore parity in a sporting contest
- Green group — hand over, as in a gift
- Blue group — activities you might engage in during a boring class or meeting
- Purple group — words that follow the letter “MS”
Breaking Down the Groups
Let’s explore one word from each group to guide you further:
- Yellow group — TIE
- Green group — VEST
- Blue group — SPACE
- Purple group — DEGREE
And now, the moment you’ve been waiting for: the complete solutions for today’s Connections puzzle:
- Yellow group — make equal, as a score (DRAW, EVEN, SQUARE, TIE)
- Green group — bestow (CONFER, GRANT, PRESENT, VEST)
- Blue group — activities during a boring class/meeting (DOODLE, DOZE, PASS NOTES, SPACE)
- Purple group — words after “MS” (DEGREE, MARVEL, PAC-MAN, PAINT)
The Joy of Solving Connections
Playing Connections not only sharpens your word association skills but also provides a delightful mental exercise. The game has gained popularity for its engaging format and the challenge it presents to players daily. As you continue to play, you’ll find yourself developing strategies and recognizing patterns more quickly.
For those interested in joining a community of fellow puzzle solvers, there are online forums and Discord channels where players discuss strategies, share hints, and celebrate victories. Engaging with others can enhance the experience, offering new perspectives and insights into solving the puzzles.
Looking Ahead
As we wrap up today’s puzzle, remember that Connections is about more than just finding the right answers; it’s about enjoying the journey of discovery and learning. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, each puzzle offers a fresh opportunity to challenge your mind and have fun.
Stay tuned for more puzzles and solutions, and don’t forget to check out the weekend editions of this column in the newsletter, Pastimes. Until then, happy puzzling!
