The New York Times Connections puzzle challenges players to find the hidden links between words, and today’s puzzle is a great example of how tricky those connections can be. If you’re finding yourself stumped by Puzzle #842 for September 30, 2025, you’ve come to the right place.
This guide will provide you with all the NYT Connections hints you need to solve the puzzle yourself. We’ll start with general strategies, move on to specific clues for each category, and finally reveal the complete solution. Whether you need a gentle nudge or the full answer, we’ve got you covered.
Understanding the Game
Before we get to the solution, let’s quickly review how NYT Connections works. The game presents a grid of 16 words, and your goal is to organize them into four groups of four. Each group shares a common, but often not obvious, theme.
You select four words you believe are connected and submit them. If you’re correct, the category is revealed. If you’re wrong, it counts as a mistake. You have four chances to solve the entire grid before the game ends. The categories are color-coded by difficulty: yellow is the most straightforward, followed by green, blue, and finally purple, which is typically the most abstract or tricky.
Strategies for Solving Any Connections Puzzle
Developing a solid strategy can make all the difference. Here are a few tips to improve your NYT word game skills:
- Scan for Obvious Links: Start by looking for clear connections. Do you see a group of animals, colors, or items of clothing? Identifying the easiest category first can help narrow down the remaining words.
- Watch for Overlaps: The puzzle’s editor often includes words that could fit into multiple potential categories. These “red herrings” are designed to mislead you. If you spot a group of five or six words that seem to share a theme, you know at least one doesn’t belong. Try to figure out which word is the outlier.
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Many words have more than one meaning. If you’re stuck, think about alternative definitions. For example, “buck” could refer to a male deer or a dollar. This is a common trick used in more difficult categories.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Shuffle: If you’re hitting a wall, use the “Shuffle” button. Seeing the words in a different arrangement can help you spot connections you might have missed.
Hints for NYT Connections Puzzle #842 (September 30, 2025)
Today’s puzzle, #842, is particularly deceptive. Several words seem to have obvious partners, but the true categories require a bit more strategic thinking. The interplay between common knowledge and recognizing subtle word relationships is key.
Here are some hints to guide you toward the solution without giving it all away.
General Hints for Puzzle #842
- Red Herrings: Be cautious of words related to weather. There are several, but they don’t all belong in the same group.
- Multiple Meanings: One category involves words that can all precede a certain type of movie.
- Specific Knowledge: You might need some pop culture knowledge for one of the categories, specifically related to famous animated characters.
Category Hints for Puzzle #842
- Yellow Category Hint: These words describe a very small amount of something.
- Green Category Hint: Think about different kinds of precipitation, but be careful—not all weather-related words fit here.
- Blue Category Hint: Each of these words can be placed before the word “FILM.”
- Purple Category Hint: This group consists of four famous cartoon cats.
Connections #842 Solution: A Detailed Walkthrough
Ready for the answers? Below is the full solution for the NYT Connections puzzle for September 30, 2025.
- Unnatural, as mannerisms: AWKWARD, STIFF, STILTED, WOODEN
- Words in a famous tongue twister: CHUCK, COULD, WOOD, WOODCHUCK
- Cartoon birds: FOGHORN, SCROOGE, WOODSTOCK, WOODY
- Ending with number homophones: CLASSICS, CREATE, GUTHRIE, THEREFORE
Improve Your Connection Skills
If you found today’s puzzle challenging, don’t worry. The best way to get better at NYT Connections is to practice and keep a few key strategies in mind. Pay attention to the types of categories that appear often, such as “words that precede X” or “homophones of Y.” Over time, you’ll start to recognize these patterns more quickly.
For another challenge or to practice your skills, try revisiting past puzzles in the NYT Games archive. Discussing the daily puzzle with friends can also offer new perspectives and help you see connections you might have missed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is NYT Connections?
A: NYT Connections is a word puzzle game where players must group four words into categories based on shared themes or associations.
Q: How do I play NYT Connections?
A: Select four words that you believe share a common connection and submit your guess. You have four attempts to solve the puzzle correctly.
Q: What happens if I make a mistake?
A: Each incorrect guess counts as an error. After four errors, the game reveals the correct solution.
Q: Are there different difficulty levels in NYT Connections?
A: While the game doesn’t have explicit difficulty levels, the complexity of the word associations varies from puzzle to puzzle, indicated by the category colors (yellow, green, blue, purple).
Q: Can I play NYT Connections on my mobile device?
A: Yes, NYT Connections is available on the New York Times Games app for both iOS and Android devices.
Q: How often is a new NYT Connections puzzle released?
A: A new NYT Connections puzzle is released daily.
Q: Where can I find hints for NYT Connections puzzles?
A: Hints can be found on various online forums, social media groups, and dedicated puzzle websites like this one. Be cautious of spoilers!
Q: What strategies can I use to improve my Connections skills?
A: Start by identifying obvious connections, look for words with multiple meanings, and consider different categories before making a guess.
Q: Is there a limit to how many times I can play NYT Connections?
A: You can play the daily NYT Connections puzzle once per day.
Q: What should I do if I’m stuck on a Connections puzzle?
A: Take a break and come back to the puzzle later with a fresh perspective. Sometimes, stepping away is the best strategy.
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