Today’s NYT Connections puzzle is bright and tidy: a quartet of groups that reward both picture-thinking and a little wordplay ear. You’ve got lofty synonyms for “best,” text-formatting actions, vividly colorful things, and a sly set where each word ends with a wearable accessory. Spot one member, lock it in, and ride that momentum — you’re faster (and smarter) than you think.

NYT Connections Puzzle Overview: 24 October 2025

NYT Connections Hints: 24 October 2025

Category 1:
  • That golden period people talk about when remembering their peak.
  • A one-word way to say the highest point of success.
  • Short and punchy: what people call the absolute top time in life or career.
  • A lofty word meaning the high point — think summit, but for time.
Category 2:
  • That golden period people talk about when remembering their peak.
  • A one-word way to say the highest point of success.
  • Short and punchy: what people call the absolute top time in life or career.
  • A lofty word meaning the high point — think summit, but for time.
Category 3:
  • A spinning tube of patterns that explodes into shimmering designs.
  • A flamboyant bird famous for its tail display.
  • A natural arc of color after rain.
  • Nature’s evening light show, painted across the sky.
Category 4:
  • A seaside rescue show hiding a wrist-worn timepiece at the end.
  • A childhood disease whose last three letters name a neckwear item.
  • A fish that literally hides a circular jewelry piece as its final letters.
  • A gangster-sounding word that finishes with something you pin.

NYT Connections Answers: 24 October 2025

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

Conclusion & Quick Strategy Tip

This puzzle is a clean mix of highbrow (pinnacle/zenith) and everyday (bold/underline, rainbow), with a clever finishing trick that rewards listening to word endings.

Lock in the text-formatting or colorful items first — they’re visual and immediate. The “best years” synonyms jump out once you think “peak.” Save the accessory-ending group for last — say the words aloud or look at the tail end and you’ll see the pattern click.