NYT Connections arranges sixteen words into four related groups; today's puzzle (6 December 2025) mixed literal prefixes, direct synonyms, and pop-culture title twists. Some groups were picture-friendly while others leaned on word structure and meaning. Below you'll find careful hints to nudge you toward each set followed by the full, grouped answers for solvers who want to check their work.

NYT Connections Puzzle Overview: 6 December 2025

The 6 December 2025 grid presented one group of words that begin with amphibian/reptile names, two synonym clusters (one focused on averages, one on soothing meanings), and a pop-culture set whose words point to titular characters. Solvers likely breezed through synonyms then paused at the prefix and franchise-based groups.

NYT Connections Hints: 6 December 2025

Category 1:
  • All four entries begin with the name of a small amphibian or reptile.
  • The animal name sits at the very start of each word.
  • Remove that initial animal and you’re left with a normal English word.
  • Think of words that camouflage an animal name inside a common term.
Category 2:
  • This group collects straightforward synonyms for “typical” or “standard.”
  • Expect short, everyday words used in speech and statistics.
  • One entry is also a common term in golf.
  • These are the go-to words when describing the central or expected value.
Category 3:
  • All four words relate to calming, reducing intensity, or moderating something.
  • They can be used as verbs or adjectives in contexts of easing tension.
  • Look for short words that convey soothing or tempering.
  • Think “bring down,” “soften,” or “make less extreme.”
Category 4:
  • Each word names the singular member of a titular group in a well-known animated franchise.
  • Think movie titles where the plural or group is the movie’s subject.
  • These are common nouns that double as franchise anchors.
  • Picture the film poster — the word would describe the characters the film follows.

NYT Connections Answers: 6 December 2025

Here are the answers, grouped by category:

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

Conclusion & Quick Strategy Tip

Today’s puzzle balanced obvious synonym clusters with two clever sets that played on word structure and pop-culture titles — a satisfying mix of easy and “aha” moments. Quick strategy tip: clear the pure-synonym groups first to free mental bandwidth, then test short prefixes and title-based possibilities on the remaining words.