At a Glance
- NYT Connections puzzle released Jan 1, 2025.
- Puzzle features four themed groups.
- Hints are provided for each group.
- Why it matters: Puzzlers can use the clues to solve the puzzle faster and enjoy the challenge.
The New York Times unveiled its daily Connections puzzle on New Year’s Day, giving fans a fresh word-play challenge. Below are the themes, the answers for each group, and the hints that help guide solvers.

Puzzle Overview
The puzzle asks players to connect words into four groups, each sharing a common theme. Solvers are given a set of 16 words to classify into the correct categories.
Group Themes and Answers
| Group | Theme | Answers |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | Bit of magic | charm, curse, hex, spell |
| Green | Remove the covering from | peel, shell, shuck, skin |
| Blue | Enthusiast equivalent | buff, head, hound, rat |
| Purple | Butter ____ | fingers, fly, nut, scotch |
Hints and How to Play
- Yellow group hint: Abracadabra!
- Green group hint: Husk is another word for this.
- Blue group hint: Big fan.
- Purple group hint: Not margarine.
These clues point directly to the themes and help narrow down which words belong together.
Key Takeaways
- The puzzle was released on Jan 1, 2025.
- Each group has a clear, word-play theme.
- Hints are concise and reveal the underlying concept.
The NYT Connections puzzle offers a quick mental workout, and with these hints and answers, puzzlers can test their skills and enjoy the full experience.

