Happy 800th edition of NYT Connections—what a milestone! Today’s puzzle brings a balanced blend of loquacious phrases, fortified flavors, regional twists, and clever wordplay. Let’s break it down step by step to help you solve with ease and enjoy that satisfying “aha!” moment.
NYT Connections Hints & Answers – August 19, 2025 (Puzzle #800)
| Color | Category | Hint | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🟨 Yellow | Talkative Descriptors | Words for people who just can’t stop talking | BLABBERMOUTH, CHATTERBOX, PRATTLER, WINDBAG |
| 🟩 Green | Fortified Wines | Strong alcohol often enjoyed after meals | MARSALA, PORT, SHERRY, VERMOUTH |
| 🟦 Blue | “___ Rock” Phrases | Familiar multi-word expressions with “rock” | CLASSIC, LITTLE, PLYMOUTH, THE |
| 🟪 Purple | Words starting with “Dash” sounds | Words beginning with “dash” / “rush” sounds | DARTMOUTH, DASHBOARD, FLYWHEEL, RUSHMORE |
Deep Solver Insights & Strategy
Yellow – When “Talkative” Is Obvious
Once you spot BLABBERMOUTH or CHATTERBOX, the talkative theme clicks into place immediately. Safe category to start with.
Green – Wine Lovers, Rejoice
If you know your aperitifs, PORT or SHERRY will lead you straight to the fortified wine category. Solid match for wine buffs.
Blue – Rock Solid Recognition
Think “Rock” paired phrases: CLASSIC Rock, LITTLE Rock (Arkansas), Plymouth Rock, and the Rock (nickname for Dwayne Johnson). Multi-meaning twist that delights.
Purple – Dash ‘n’ Prefix Panic
These words begin with speedy sounds—DASH, RUSH, like DART, RUSH. Play them aloud (“dash-board,” “rush-more”) until the prefix pattern surfaces.
Smart Tips to Solve Faster
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Start with Yellow or Green—their themes are clear and quick to lock.
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Say words out loud—especially for Blue and Purple; patterns often emerge audibly.
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Shuffle after a match—clear visual space helps identify the remaining clusters.
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Guard your guesses—you get four tries, so stay precise.
FAQs to Master NYT Connections
Q: When does a new puzzle appear?
It refreshes every night at midnight local time. If you’re in India (IST), that means just after midnight.
Q: How many mistakes am I allowed?
You get up to four incorrect groupings before the game ends. Choose wisely.
Q: Is it free to play?
Yes! NYT Connections is fully free on the NYT Games site and app.
Q: What makes Purple categories tough?
They often involve linguistic twists—like prefixes, suffixes, or word-play—not always intuitive until they click.
Why Puzzle #800 Shines
Celebrating the 800th game, today’s puzzle delivers a hearty dose of cultural nods and prefix fun. Themes range from chatty individuals to wine notes to iconic “Rock” references and speed-word patterning—a multifaceted challenge that’s both satisfying and memorable.
