Most Creative NYT Connections Categories We've Seen So Far

If you're into word puzzles, chances are you've tried Connections, the daily puzzle that challenges players to group four connected words from a list of sixteen. It’s simple, yet it makes your brain work in fun ways. For those looking to enjoy it online or explore more puzzles, sites like https://connections-games.com/ offer a great way to keep playing once the daily grid resets. But one of the best parts about Connections is how creative its categories can get. Some days, the connections are so quirky, clever, or unexpected that they stick in your mind long after you've solved the puzzle (or given up and hit reveal!).

One memorable example? A category that grouped together colors… but not in the way you expect. Instead of “red,” “blue,” “green,” – it was “ruby,” “slate,” “jade,” and “pearl.” It took a moment to realize they were all colors with jewel or mineral names. A few more tricky ones have grouped company names with hidden animals inside them (like “Jaguar” in the car brand or “Penguin” the publisher), or common phrases where all four words could be types of cheese. Imagine spotting “Swiss” and having to link it with “American,” “Cheddar,” and “Brie.”

Some connections are even based on puns or shared meanings. One puzzle had seemingly unrelated words like “Check,” “Bill,” “Draft,” and “Tab.” The connection? They’re all different terms for something you pay at a restaurant or bar.  connections nyt  grouped together “Bass,” “Lead,” “Wind,” and “Bow” — all words that change meaning depending on pronunciation. These make you think about sound, spelling, and context all at once.

Then there are the laugh-out-loud themes. A favorite among players was when the category was something like “Things that pop,” and included “Bubble,” “Balloon,” “Champagne,” and “Quiz.” The last one felt like a stretch — but hey, quizzes do pop up on your screen, don’t they?

What makes these creative connections so fun is that everyone brings a different background to the game. One person might immediately spot a film reference, while another sees a group of tools. It keeps everyone guessing — and learning something new. So the next time you're playing, take a second look at those tricky words. The answer might be hiding in plain sight, disguised in the cleverest way.