The New York Times Connections puzzle challenges players to organize 16 seemingly unrelated words into four logical groups of four. Each group shares a common link, but misdirection is part of the fun. The 16 December 2025 puzzle leaned on familiar themes with subtle twists, making it approachable yet sneaky. Below, you’ll find spoiler-free hints first, followed by the full answers.

NYT Connections Puzzle Overview: 16 December 2025

Today’s grid felt clean and well-balanced, mixing concrete categories with playful word construction. Some groups stood out quickly, while others required slowing down and thinking about structure rather than meaning. Overall, it was a satisfying puzzle that rewarded patience and careful elimination.

NYT Connections Hints: 16 December 2025

Category 1:
  • Think movement set to rhythm
  • Often paired with music
  • You might learn these in lessons
  • Common in ballrooms
Category 2:
  • All about lineage
  • Connected to family trees
  • Points toward future generations
  • Refers to those who come after
Category 3:
  • Classic cinema territory
  • Linked to one famous director
  • Mostly mid-20th-century films
  • Known for suspense and tension
Category 4:
  • Each word begins with something audible
  • Think instruments before meanings
  • The opening sound matters most
  • Percussion is the key idea

NYT Connections Answers: 16 December 2025

Here are the answers, grouped by category:

Category 1:
Category 2:
Category 3:
Category 4:

Conclusion & Quick Strategy Tip

The 16 December 2025 Connections puzzle blended straightforward categories with clever wordplay, making it enjoyable without being overwhelming. Quick strategy tip: if meanings stall, examine word structure—prefixes, sounds, and roots often unlock the trickiest groups.