Start your day sharp with today’s NYT Connections puzzle—it’s a perfect blend of nostalgia, clever language, and light-hearted fun. Whether you’re battling midday brain fog or maintaining your streak, I’ve got your back with fresh insights, quick hints, and expert strategies to guide you to victory.
NYT Connections Hints & Answers – August 8, 2025
| Color | Category | Hint | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🟨 Yellow | Restore parity in a contest | Words related to making things equal | DRAW, EVEN, SQUARE, TIE |
| 🟩 Green | Gifting or granting | Words related to giving or conferring | CONFER, GRANT, PRESENT, VEST |
| 🟦 Blue | Pass time when bored | What you might do during a dull meeting | DOODLE, DOZE, PASS NOTES, SPACE |
| 🟪 Purple | Words that follow “Ms.” | Titles paired with “Ms.” | DEGREE, MARVEL, PAC-MAN, PAINT |
Yellow – The “Parity” Crew
As soon as you spot EVEN, the rest—DRAW, SQUARE, TIE—fall into place. Quick wins like these set you up for solving momentum early.
Green – Gift of Language
CONFER and GRANT are clearly about giving. Once identified, PRESENT and VEST slide in effortlessly. It’s a smoothly logical category.
Blue – Meeting Minded
This is about keeping awake—or not. DOODLE or DOZE usually appear together, followed by PASS NOTES and SPACE (as in spacing out). Great category for instant connection.
Purple – “Ms. ___” Titles
This one’s tricky but fun. Each word is famously paired with “Ms.”—Ms. Degree, Ms. Marvel, Ms. Pac-Man, Ms. Paint. Sound it out in your head to unlock the set quickly.
Pro Tips: Master NYT Connections
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Start with the easiest—Yellow and Green categories often provide early confidence.
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Speak them aloud—Purple categories like today’s “Ms.” theme click when you vocalize them.
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Shuffle strategically—Once a category is locked, shuffle to declutter the remaining grid.
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Stay alert for misleads—Don’t fall for homophone confusions or team names (like “Pac-Man” vs. sports team).
Why Today’s Puzzle Stands Out
Puzzle #789 blends logic, whimsy, and pop culture in a seamless way. The “Ms.” theme, sandwiching a gaming icon (Pac-Man) with academic and creative titles (Degree, Marvel, Paint), adds that nostalgic twist. It’s both clever and satisfying—exactly what players love.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When does the daily puzzle update?
A: NYT Connections refreshes at midnight local time every day.
Q: How many mistakes can you make?
A: You’re allowed up to four incorrect group selections before the game ends.
Q: Do I need a subscription to play?
A: No! Connections is free on the NYT Games site and app after signup.
Q: Who edits the Connections puzzles?
A: Crossword constructor Wyna Liu, who has edited for The Times since 2020, curates these puzzles.
