Today's NYT Connections Hint and Answer (January 6, #575)

Connections is a game published by The New York Times that challenges you to find the relationships between words. It seems simple, but it's not——Connections categories can be almost anything and are usually very specific. If an answer is needed, assistance will be provided.

What is a Connection?

Connections is a game published by The New York Times. The objective is simple: divide 16 words into four groups. Each group of words is connected by some common idea or theme. That common element can be anything. Previously, games have taken the form of word puzzles that depend on the number of letters in the words, to categories where additional letters need to be found at the end of a word. Sometimes economic quotes are included, and sometimes fairy tale quotes. There is no definitive relationship between words.

With confidence, select four words and press 'Submit'. You have a total of four attempts, so don't bet too much.

Hints for Today's Connections Group

A few hints to start the 575th Connections game:

• Yellow: When you are working hard.
• Green: A phrase that means anything.
• Blue: Used when something is not difficult.
• Purple: Shortened version of 'sits'.

If assistance is still needed, the actual group names are:

• Yellow: Deep Breath
• Green: Catchall
• Blue: Simple Metaphor
• Purple: Synonym for 'backend' with the last letter removed.

Answer to Today's NYT Connections

'Deep Breath (Yellow)'

Breathe, yell, pant, blow air

'Catchall (Green):'

Net, broad, decisive, raincoat

Metaphor for 'blue'

ABC, Blizzard, Picnic, Peak

Synonym for the part of 'purple' with the last letter removed.

Author, boot, however, room

How to Predict Connections Groups?

There is no quick and certain method like Wordle for Connections. This is because Connections is not based on an algorithm. However, by remembering a few things, they can help.

1. Search for similar parts of speech. Some words are verbs, others are nouns? Some are adjectives? Imagine grouping them based on these categories and see if any other patterns pop up.
2. The words are synonyms? Sometimes, categories become synonyms or nearly synonyms of phrases. However, don't rely too much on this. Sometimes, Connections intentionally adds similar synonyms to mislead you.
3. Say the word out loud. Sometimes, saying a word out loud makes it clearer. For example, in one puzzle, words like 'go', 'speed', 'hurry up', 'clip', 'pace', 'quickness', 'movement', 'commute', and 'hastily' are included, which are clearly related to movement. However, when you say them out loud, it becomes clear that the four words you should prompt someone to move (go, move, hurry up, hurry) are the most obvious.
4. Red fish expectation. Connections usually include words that could be grouped correctly or incorrectly. For example, consider the words 'grape', 'cola', and 'light'. Intuitively grouping these three words together might lead you to think they belong in a category related to beer, but it's not actually so.
5. Search for different words. If the word on the board has multiple meanings or can only be used in one context, try using that word as the basis of a category.
6. Shuffle the board. Sometimes changing the position of the words can provide a new perspective.

'If you couldn't solve this problem, don't worry——there's another chance tomorrow! And these words may be related to topics you're interested in. This will help you get ahead in the competition.'