NYT Connections sorts 16 words into four groups of four, rewarding pattern recognition and lateral thinking. The 28 November 2025 puzzle blended plain object parts with comparative/action words and sound-related terms that could trip up quick solvers. Read on for gentle hints and the full grouped answers.

NYT Connections Puzzle Overview: 28 November 2025

Today’s puzzle felt balanced: two groups leaned on physical objects and instrument parts, while the other two leaned on semantic relationships and sound/phonetic properties. Solvers who mixed literal reading with flexible wordplay moved fastest; others hesitated where meanings overlapped.

NYT Connections Hints: 28 November 2025

Category 1:
  • Think words meaning “suitable” or “appropriate.”
  • Often used to describe clothing, behavior, or correctness.
  • Two of these are common single-word judgments.
  • Can also be antonyms of “unsuitable” or “improper.”
Category 2:
  • Focus on verbs and comparatives tied to winning or ranking.
  • Words you might use after a contest or race.
  • Includes an action meaning “defeat” and terms for higher/lower placement.
  • Some entries work as both verb and adjective forms.
Category 3:
  • All items are tangible components found on stringed instruments.
  • Think of what you might adjust to change pitch or tone.
  • Includes things you press, pluck, and attach.
  • Essential to an electric guitar’s setup and sound.
Category 4:
  • These are ways we describe how speech is delivered.
  • They’re used in linguistics and performance coaching.
  • Concern rhythm, emphasis, and volume.
  • Often discussed when talking about tone and expressiveness.

NYT Connections Answers: 28 November 2025

Here are the answers, grouped by category.

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

Conclusion & Quick Strategy Tip

Today’s grid mixed straightforward labels with words that sit near each other semantically, so the trick was resisting the urge to lump similar-looking answers before confirming a clean four-of-four split. The puzzle was medium difficulty and pleasingly varied.

Quick strategy tip: when two categories look plausible, pick one confirmed quartet first — eliminating those four often makes the remaining groups obvious.