NYT Connections arranges sixteen words into four related groups; today's puzzle (8 December 2025) mixes West Coast landmarks, sports team references, action verbs, and a collection of seemingly disparate words that may challenge even experienced solvers. Some groups feature straightforward geographic references while others demand deeper lateral thinking.

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: 8 December 2025

The 8 December 2025 grid presented one group of verbs describing encouragement or motivation, one geography set featuring famous Los Angeles locations, a collection of Dallas sports team names, and a mysterious fourth category requiring careful pattern recognition. Solvers likely made quick work of the motivational verbs and geographical references, then paused at the more abstract final grouping.

NYT Connections Hints: 8 December 2025

Category 1:
  • All four entries are verbs describing the act of encouraging or motivating someone.
  • They imply pushing someone toward action or supporting them.
  • Each of these words can pair with the word "on" to create a common phrase.
  • Think "inspire" or "motivate."
Category 2:
  • This group collects famous streets, intersections, and landmarks in Los Angeles.
  • These locations are iconic shopping, entertainment, and scenic destinations.
  • One is an intersection featuring a famous theater district landmark; another is a legendary boulevard for entertainment.
  • Two are scenic drives known for their breathtaking views and upscale addresses.
  • These are names you'd recognize from Hollywood movies and California travel guides.
Category 3:
  • All four words are names of professional sports teams.
  • These teams all represent a major city in Texas.
  • The teams represent different major sports leagues (football, basketball, hockey, and women's basketball).
  • You'd find these teams competing in different national sports organizations.
Category 4:
  • This is the trickiest category requiring lateral thinking.
  • All four words share a hidden connection that isn't immediately obvious from their definitions.
  • Consider whether these words might relate to fashion, luxury items, homophones, or perhaps obscure word combinations.
  • The pattern may involve thinking about what these words precede or follow.

NYT Connections Answers: 8 December 2025

Category 1
Category 2:
Category 3:
Category 4:

Conclusion & Quick Strategy Tip

Today's puzzle balanced straightforward geographical knowledge with well-known sports references and motivational vocabulary—making the first three categories accessible to most players. The final category proved the true brain-teaser, potentially involving homophone wordplay or abstract associations requiring lateral thinking.

Quick strategy tip: When facing a mysterious fourth category, try grouping by potential homophones, compound word combinations, or luxury/lifestyle associations before assuming it's related to the other visible themes.