NYT Connection Day Tips and Answers for January 21 (#590)

Connections is a New York Times game that challenges you to find the relationship between words. It seems easy, but it isn't—Categories for Connections can be almost anything and are generally quite specific. If you need help getting the answers, we're here to assist you.

What are Connections?

Connections is a New York Times game. The objective is simple: sort 16 words into groups of 4. Each group of words will be linked by an idea or common theme. This common element can be anything. We've seen it all, from games that depend on the number of letters in words to categories that require you to notice an additional letter at the end of a word. Sometimes they refer to the economy, other times they refer to fairy tales. You can't guess what type of association will be between the words.

Once you're sure of the connection, select 4 words and press "Submit". You have four attempts in total, so don't hesitate to be too bold.

Tips for Today's Connection Groups

Here are some tips for the 590th Connections Game to help you get started:

• Yellow: When you say something negative to someone.
• Green: A small version of something.
• Blue: How you could eliminate winter snowfall.
• Violet: They don't really have M.D.s, but they have a title.

If you still need help, the real group names are:

• Yellow: Place
• Green : Small resemblance
• Blue : Used to eliminate snow
• Violet : Doctors in popular culture

NYT Today's Connections Answers

Break (Yellow):

Break, Crush, Unravel, Subtle

Small resemblance (Green):

Doll, Figure, Miniature, Model

Used to eliminate snow (Blue):

Mill, Salt, Sand, Spade

Doctors in popular culture (Violet):

No, Octopus, Pepper, Who

How do you guess Connection groups?

There is no quick and reliable method to approach Connections like there is with Wordle, as Connections are not algorithmic. However, there are a few points to keep in mind that can help.

1. Look for similar parts of speech. Are there some words that are verbs and others that are nouns? There are also adjectives? Try grouping them mentally by these categories and see if other patterns jump out at you.
2. Are the words said? Sometimes saying the words helps. A puzzle we saw included the words "go", "speed", "faster", "clip", "rhythm", "speed", "move", "commute" and "hurry" - all obviously linked to the idea of movement. However, when you say them, it becomes a bit clearer that only four (go, move, hurry, faster) are things you would actually say to encourage someone to move.
3. Try saying the words. Sometimes saying the words helps. A puzzle we saw included the words "go", "speed", "faster", "clip", "rhythm", "speed", "move", "commute" and "hurry" - all obviously linked to the idea of movement. However, when you say them, it becomes a bit clearer that only four (go, move, hurry, faster) are things you would actually say to encourage someone to move.
4. Take a bean bag from the trench. Connections often have words that could logically be grouped together, but incorrectly. For example, take the words Bud, Corona and Light. You can instinctively see these three words together and assume they are grouped in a category related to beer - which was not the case.
5. Look for distinct words. If a word on your board has several meanings or can really only be used in one context, try using that word as a base for a category.
6. Mix up the board. Sometimes moving words around can help you look at them from a new angle.

If you didn't solve this question, don't have too many regrets - there will always be tomorrow! And these words may correspond to a subject that interests you, giving you an advantage over the competition.