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Connections

How to Play Connections

Each game presents you with a 4x4 grid of 16 words. Your goal is to sort them into four groups of four, with each group sharing a logic-based connection. These connections could be anything from:

  • Synonyms
  • Movie titles
  • Types of fruit
  • Slang terms
  • Words with double meanings

It’s not about finding words that sound similar — it’s about finding how their meanings, cultural references, or usage might relate. The tricky part? Many words seem like they could fit into multiple categories, which leads to lots of second-guessing and delightful “aha!” moments.

Connections

Developer:
The New York Times
Released:
June 12, 2023
Technology:
HTML5 (Unity WebGL)
Platforms:
Browser (desktop, mobile, tablet)

If you're a fan of clever wordplay, brain training, and lateral thinking, the Connections game will quickly become your new daily obsession. This popular online puzzle challenges players to group words based on subtle relationships such as shared themes, categories, or linguistic patterns rather than just spelling or definition.

Simple in concept but devilishly tricky in execution, Connections is a modern brain game that rewards critical thinking, creativity, and keen observation.

How to Play Connections

Each game presents you with a 4x4 grid of 16 words. Your goal is to sort them into four groups of four, with each group sharing a logic-based connection. These connections could be anything from:

  • Synonyms
  • Movie titles
  • Types of fruit
  • Slang terms
  • Words with double meanings

It’s not about finding words that sound similar — it’s about finding how their meanings, cultural references, or usage might relate. The tricky part? Many words seem like they could fit into multiple categories, which leads to lots of second-guessing and delightful “aha!” moments.

Why It’s More Than Just a Word Game

What sets Connections apart from traditional word search or vocabulary games is its emphasis on logic and conceptual grouping. It’s a hybrid of trivia, pattern recognition, and linguistic knowledge — meaning it tests more than just spelling or speed.

Each daily puzzle gets progressively harder, with categories typically labeled by color (yellow = easiest, purple = hardest). Solving the full grid without any mistakes is a true mental workout!

Outstanding Game Features

  • Fresh puzzle daily – A new challenge to look forward to each morning
  • Logic-driven gameplay – Think critically to group words conceptually
  • No downloads needed – Play instantly online
  • Casual but challenging – Perfect for a 5-minute brain break or deep focus session
  • Progress tracking – See how your skills improve over time

Whether you solve it in one go or take a few tries, Connections keeps your brain sharp and engaged.

Who Is Connections For?

Connections is great for:

  • Word game lovers who want something deeper than crosswords or anagrams
  • Trivia fans who enjoy categorizing and associating ideas
  • Educators looking for an engaging language tool
  • Anyone who enjoys games that are casual but mentally stimulating

It’s also a fun social activity to play with a friend or compare solutions after completing the daily challenge.

The Connections game is a brilliant blend of word association and logical thinking. With its clean design, daily updates, and clever categories, it keeps you guessing, learning, and improving your reasoning skills. Whether you’re a puzzle veteran or just starting out, it’s an addictive and rewarding brain game you won’t want to skip.

Play Connections today and see how many hidden links your brain can uncover!

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