Play Connections Online
The addictive word puzzle game. Find four groups of four words that share a hidden connection. 900+ puzzles remixed into unlimited unique games!
What is the Connections Game?
Connections is a word puzzle game created by The New York Times. You're presented with 16 words and must sort them into 4 groups of 4 words each. The catch? Each group shares a hidden theme or "connection" that isn't immediately obvious.
The game has become wildly popular for its clever wordplay and satisfying "aha!" moments when you finally spot a connection. Some categories are straightforward (like "Types of Pasta"), while others require lateral thinking (like "Things that can follow FIRE").
How to Play Connections
Find Four Related Words
Look at the 16 words and try to spot 4 that share something in common. It could be a category, a phrase they complete, or something more creative.
Select and Submit
Tap 4 words you think belong together, then hit Submit. If you're right, the group is revealed and removed from the board.
Watch Your Mistakes
You only get 4 wrong guesses before the game ends. If you're "one away" (3 out of 4 correct), you'll get a hint!
Solve All Four Groups
Win by finding all 4 categories. The colors indicate difficulty: Yellow (easiest) → Green → Blue → Purple (hardest).
Understanding the Difficulty Colors
Yellow categories are usually straightforward (synonyms, simple categories). Purple categories often involve wordplay, puns, or require thinking outside the box. Start with yellow if you're stuck!
About Infinite Mode
Our Infinite Mode lets you practice Connections without limits. Each puzzle randomly combines categories from different past NYT puzzles, creating fresh combinations you've never seen before.
Tips & Strategies
- 1.Start with what you know – If you immediately spot 4 related words, go for it! Eliminating groups makes the rest easier.
- 2.Look for "trick" words – Some words intentionally fit multiple categories. These "red herrings" make purple categories tricky.
- 3.Think about word parts – Purple categories often involve prefixes, suffixes, or words that complete a phrase (like "___ BAND").
- 4.Use the shuffle button – Seeing words in a new arrangement can help you spot patterns you missed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Connections game?
Connections is a word puzzle game where you're given 16 words and must sort them into 4 groups of 4. Each group has a hidden connection or theme that links the words together. It was created by The New York Times and has become one of the most popular daily word games.
How do I play Connections?
Look at the 16 words and try to find 4 that share something in common. Select them and tap Submit. If correct, those words are removed and the category is revealed. If wrong, you lose a life. You have 4 lives to find all 4 groups. Start with groups you're confident about!
What do the colors mean?
Yellow is the easiest category (straightforward connections), Green is fairly easy, Blue is medium difficulty (often trivia-based), and Purple is the hardest (tricky wordplay, puns, or obscure connections).
What is Infinite Mode?
Infinite Mode lets you play unlimited Connections puzzles. We mix categories from 900+ past puzzles to create unique combinations. Your stats are saved locally, and you can build winning streaks!
Is this the official NYT Connections?
No, this is a fan-made practice tool. We use categories from past NYT Connections puzzles remixed into new combinations. For today's official puzzle, visit the New York Times Games website.