NYT Connections is the daily word game that asks you to sort 16 seemingly unrelated words into four logical groups of four. For 31 December 2025, the puzzle blended abstract ideas, cultural references, and clever wordplay. Some categories felt instantly familiar, while others required a second look. Below, you’ll find spoiler-free hints first, followed by the full answers.
NYT Connections Puzzle Overview: 31 December 2025
Today’s grid leaned heavily into concepts and associations rather than literal definitions. A couple of categories appeared deceptively obvious, while one relied on a playful linguistic twist. Overall, this was a satisfying mix that rewarded broad knowledge and careful reading, especially for solvers who double-check patterns before locking answers.
NYT Connections Hints: 31 December 2025
Category 1:
- Think about a specific annual celebration
- Often seen or used together at the same event
- Loud, flashy, or ceremonial items
- Associated with countdowns and midnight moments
Category 2:
- Common places where items go missing
- Some are everyday household spots
- Others are vast or mysterious
- Often joked about as “eating” things
Category 3:
- Strongly tied to a single US city
- Includes food, landmarks, and symbols
- Connected by history and pop culture
- Familiar to sports and movie fans
Category 4:
- Each phrase starts with a geographic feature
- The starting word relates to water
- Forms compound nouns
- Meanings change after the first word
NYT Connections Answers: 31 December 2025
Here are the answers for today, grouped by category:
Category 1:
Category 2:
Category 3:
Category 4:
Conclusion & Quick Strategy Tip
This New Year’s Eve puzzle struck a fun balance between straightforward themes and sneaky wordplay, making it satisfying without being overwhelming. Quick strategy tip: scan for shared prefixes or cultural references early—they often unlock entire groups fast.
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