Master the NYT Connections Puzzle: Hints and Answers for April 21, 2025
If you enjoy word games, you’ve likely tried The New York Times’ Connections, the addictive puzzle that tasks players with grouping words by hidden themes. Created by Wyna Liu, an associate puzzle editor at The New York Times, this game has become a favorite for word enthusiasts. Today, we’re breaking down the hints and answers for April 21, 2025 (Puzzle #680), helping you sharpen your skills and maybe even impress your friends with your puzzle-solving prowess.
How Connections Works
Before diving into the answers, let’s recap the game’s mechanics. Connections presents 16 words that must be sorted into four groups of four based on shared themes. Each category is color-coded by difficulty: yellow (easiest), green, blue, and purple (hardest). Players get four mistakes before the game ends, but the shuffle feature helps spot patterns. The puzzle resets daily at midnight, with challenges growing tougher as the week progresses. Whether played on a browser or phone, it’s a perfect brain teaser for your morning routine.
Today’s Puzzle Breakdown (April 21, 2025)
Here’s a spoiler-free look at the categories and themes, along with hints to guide you if you’re stuck:
Yellow (Easiest): Found on Food Packaging
Hint: Think about what you’d read on a nutrition label.
Answer: FAT, IRON, PROTEIN, SODIUM
Green: An Unplanned Disruption
Hint: These words describe unexpected surprises—some more dramatic than others.
Answer: BOMBSHELL, CURVEBALL, TWIST, WRENCH
Blue: You’d Find These in Excel
Hint: Spreadsheet users will recognize these terms.
Answer: CELL, COLUMN, ROW, SHEET
Purple (Hardest): Spiraled
Hint: Think of things that twist or coil, from nature to everyday objects.
Answer: CORKSCREW, DNA, FUSILLI, SPRING
Why Connections Stands Out
Unlike other word games, Connections rewards creative thinking. As Wyna Liu noted, the best puzzles make players see words in new ways—like linking DNA and fusilli under spiraled. The color-coded difficulty ensures a satisfying challenge without frustration.
More Puzzle Fun
If you love Connections, try Wordle or Strands, two other NYT games testing vocabulary and pattern recognition. For a break from wordplay, Mashable’s games hub offers classics like Mahjong and Sudoku.
Final Tips for Success
Look for multiple meanings—words like spring can refer to a season or a coiled object. Use the shuffle button to reveal hidden connections. And don’t forget to share your results—bragging rights are half the fun.
Ready to tackle today’s puzzle? Visit The New York Times Games section and put your skills to the test. For extra hints, check out Mashable’s full article. Happy solving!
