The popular New York Times game, Connections, has released its latest puzzle for Monday, December 8, 2025. As always, the game challenges players to identify groups of words that share a common theme. For those seeking a bit of guidance, we’ve compiled some hints and strategies to help you navigate today’s puzzle, as well as the final solutions. Be warned, spoilers are ahead!
Connections, a game that has captivated puzzle enthusiasts, presents a board of 16 tiles, each with a word or phrase. The objective is to select groups of four tiles that are connected by a shared characteristic. Today’s puzzle, number 911, promises to test your word association skills.
Understanding Today’s Puzzle Categories
Today’s Connections puzzle is divided into four categories, each color-coded for difficulty. Here’s a brief overview of the categories without giving away too much:
- Yellow Category: Synonyms with a motivational twist.
- Green Category: Famous streets that can be walked or driven upon.
- Blue Category: Sports-related nouns.
- Purple Category: Wordplay involving geographical locations.
Hints for Each Category
Let’s delve into some hints for each category to guide you through the puzzle:
- Yellow Category: Think about actions you might take to encourage someone who lacks motivation.
- Green Category: Consider streets that are iconic and frequently associated with Los Angeles.
- Blue Category: Focus on team names from Dallas-based professional sports teams.
- Purple Category: These are places on a map, but each is missing a crucial letter.
Breaking Down the Solutions
Now, let’s explore the answers to today’s puzzle. If you’re ready for the full reveal, read on:
Yellow Words
The yellow category, which is often the most straightforward, revolves around the theme GOAD, WITH “ON”. The words are: EGG, PUSH, SPUR, URGE.
Green Words
The green category, considered the second-easiest, is themed FAMOUS STREETS IN LOS ANGELES. The words are: MULHOLLAND, RODEO, SUNSET, VINE.
Blue Words
The blue category, more challenging, is themed MEMBER OF A DALLAS PRO SPORTS TEAM. The words are: COWBOY, MAVERICK, STAR, WING.
Purple Words
The purple category, deemed the hardest, is themed EUROPEAN CAPITALS MINUS SECOND-TO-LAST-LETTER. The words are: MINK, PARIS, ROE, SOFA.
Strategies for Solving Connections
Connections can be a tricky game, often featuring overlapping categories that require careful consideration. Here are some strategies to enhance your gameplay:
- Identify Outliers: Focus on words that seem disconnected from the rest. These can often lead to the correct grouping.
- Look for Wordplay: Many puzzles include clever wordplay. Consider alternative meanings or uses of words.
- Use Process of Elimination: If you’re unsure, eliminate words that clearly don’t fit with others.
In a previous puzzle, the word BACON was part of a group of painters, illustrating how Connections often requires thinking outside the box. Always double-check your groupings before hitting submit.
The Growing Popularity of Connections
Since its inception, Connections has become a beloved feature of the New York Times Games section, engaging players with its unique blend of word association and logic. The game’s popularity is a testament to its ability to challenge and entertain, drawing comparisons to other word games like Wordle and Quordle.
As players eagerly await each new puzzle, the game continues to foster a community of puzzle enthusiasts who share strategies and solutions online. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer, Connections offers a daily mental workout that is both rewarding and fun.
For those looking to improve their skills, consider bookmarking our page for daily hints and strategies. And remember, the key to mastering Connections is to embrace the challenge and enjoy the journey.
