The NYT Connections game challenges players to sort 16 words into four related groups of four. For 18 December 2025, the grid blended abstract ideas, familiar roles, and concrete materials, making some links feel obvious while others required a second look. Below, you’ll find gentle hints first, followed by the full answers once you’re ready.
NYT Connections Puzzle Overview: 18 December 2025
Today’s grid leaned into everyday vocabulary with subtle overlaps. Some words felt metaphorical, others literal, and a few tempted solvers into premature groupings. The puzzle rewarded stepping back and considering how a single word can shift meaning depending on context.
NYT Connections Hints: 18 December 2025
Category 1:
- Think about imagined scenarios rather than reality
- These words often describe mental escape
- Not all of them are positive or hopeful
- Commonly used when ideas aren’t grounded
Category 2:
- Refers to the central figure in a story or situation
- Often used in movies, books, or performances
- One term is especially common in casting
- All point to prominence
Category 3:
- Physical items you might find in a hobby kit
- Frequently used by children and DIY crafters
- Lightweight and decorative materials
- Often colorful or textured
Category 4:
- Each word pairs naturally with the same opener
- Think about society and public life
- The combinations are common phrases
- Used across media, jobs, and systems
NYT Connections Answers: 18 December 2025
Here are the answers, grouped by category:
Category 1:
Category 2:
Category 3:
Category 4:
Conclusion & Quick Strategy Tip
The 18 December 2025 Connections puzzle balanced abstract thinking with tangible clues, making it satisfying once the patterns clicked. Quick strategy tip: when stuck, test whether a shared prefix or suffix links several words cleanly before committing.
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