NYT Connections is the daily word puzzle that asks you to sort 16 seemingly unrelated words into four clean groups of four. Today’s grid blends familiar vocabulary with a bit of playful misdirection, making it feel approachable at first before a couple of trickier associations emerge. If you got stuck midway, don’t worry—below you’ll find gentle hints first, followed by the full answers.

NYT Connections Puzzle Overview: 24 December 2024

Today’s Connections puzzle leaned heavily on common language, but with meanings that shift depending on context. Some groupings were instantly recognizable, while others required you to think beyond the most obvious definition. Overall, it felt balanced: friendly for casual solvers, yet still capable of tripping you up if you rushed your choices.

NYT Connections Hints: 24 December 2024

Category 1:
  • Think informal language rather than literal meaning
  • Often heard in conversations about work or payments
  • These words aren’t about food in this context
  • All point to the same everyday concept
Category 2:
  • Actions you might repeat during a meal
  • All describe a physical motion
  • Related to how food is processed before swallowing
  • One is especially energetic compared to the rest
Category 3:
  • Found underwater, not in a kitchen
  • A shared biological category connects them
  • Common on menus and in markets
  • Each is a specific type, not a general term
Category 4:
  • Involves sound and expression
  • Related to music, but not instruments
  • Each word changes meaning with a small addition
  • Think about vocal performance with a twist

NYT Connections Answers: 24 December 2024

Here are the answers, grouped by category.

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

Conclusion & Quick Strategy Tip

The 24 December 2024 Connections puzzle was a nice reminder that simple words can hide clever connections. If you’re aiming to improve, try grouping by meaning shifts—slang, alternate definitions, or subtle wordplay often hold the key.