The NYT Connections game asks players to organize 16 seemingly unrelated words into four correct groups of four. Each set shares a hidden connection. For 17 December 2025, the puzzle blends concrete objects with abstract ideas and wordplay, making some categories feel obvious while others require a second look. Below, you’ll find gentle hints first, followed by the full answers.
NYT Connections Puzzle Overview: 17 December 2025
Today’s grid balanced straightforward categories with one that leaned heavily on lateral thinking. Some groupings were grounded in everyday objects, while others relied on meaning shifts and clever linguistic twists. Many solvers likely locked in one or two groups quickly before slowing down on the final set.
NYT Connections Hints: 17 December 2025
Category 1:
- All items can move across water
- None rely on motors or engines
- Often associated with paddling or rowing
- You might see them in races or outdoor recreation
Category 2:
- Words describe sameness in height or balance
- Often used when checking alignment
- Common in construction or geometry contexts
- Can describe surfaces or positions
Category 3:
- All are well-known vehicle names
- Connected to the same manufacturer
- Frequently seen on roads worldwide
- Includes both sedans and larger family vehicles
Category 4:
- Each word hides something extra at the start
- Connected to well-known religious figures
- Meaning changes with one added letter
- Abstract or symbolic concepts appear here
NYT Connections Answers: 17 December 2025
Here are the answers, grouped by category:
Category 1:
Category 2:
Category 3:
Category 4:
Conclusion & Quick Strategy Tip
The 17 December 2025 Connections puzzle mixed approachable groupings with one category that rewarded careful word inspection. If you’re stuck, a quick strategy tip: scan for subtle prefixes or added letters—those small changes often unlock the trickiest groups.
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