Today’s Connections puzzle delivers a well-balanced mix of intuition and lateral thinking—from subtle cues and classic wordplay to a dash of lifestyle familiarity. Whether you’re looking to extend your streak or just flex your brain early, this guide walks you through every twist—without spoiling the fun.
NYT Connections Hints & Answers – August 18, 2025 (Puzzle #799)
| Color | Category | Hint | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🟨 Yellow | Indications/Suggestions | Subtle signs that something’s afoot | CUE, NOD, PROMPT, SIGNAL |
| 🟩 Green | Moments to act—Opportunities | Moments to seize for success | BREAK, CHANCE, OPENING, SHOT |
| 🟦 Blue | Hotel Amenities | Shortlist of comforts during a stay | BREAKFAST, PARKING, POOL, WI-FI |
| 🟪 Purple | Words before “Watch” | What precedes the time-keeping device | DIGITAL, POCKET, STOP, WRIST |
Solver Insights & Strategy Breakdown
Yellow – Cue the Connection
Words like CUE and SIGNAL point to subtle hints. Once you latch onto one, the rest (PROMPT, NOD) follow naturally.
Green – Seize the Day
Whether it’s a BREAK, CHANCE, OPENING, or SHOT, each represents an opportunity. They line up effortlessly once you spot one.
Blue – Hotel Heaven
Classic amenities—BREAKFAST, POOL, WI-FI, PARKING—they’re immediate freebies once the hotel theme clicks.
Purple – Watch This Wordplay
Phrase completion is the trick: Digital Watch, Pocket Watch, Stop Watch, Wrist Watch click once you hear the theme in your head.
Pro Tips to Solve Like a Pro
-
Go for quick wins first—Yellow and Green give you early traction.
-
Look for everyday life” clues—Blue’s hotel amenities are obvious once context is set.
-
Vocalize tricky ones—Saying “wrist watch” or “digital watch” aloud often reveals the pattern.
-
Shuffle to isolate—After a category is spotted, shuffle to better view the rest of the grid.
FAQs About NYT Connections
Q: When does the puzzle reset each day?
A: Every puzzle refreshes at midnight local time—so set your alarm for a fresh brain start.
Q: How many mistakes can you make?
A: You get up to four incorrect groupings before the game ends—so guess wisely.
Q: Is the game free?
A: Yes—NYT Connections is accessible for free via the NYT Games website and app.
Q: What makes Purple the hardest group?
A: Purple categories often hinge on idioms, wordplay, or phrase completions—like the “Watch” connection today—that aren’t obvious at first glance.
