NYT Connections: Hints and Strategies for February 19, 2025

The New York Times daily puzzle game Connections challenges players to identify groups of four words with a common theme.

Each puzzle presents 16 words, and the objective is to group them into four categories correctly.

As of February 19, 2025, puzzle #619 offers a fresh set of words to categorize. Below are some hints and strategies to assist you in solving today’s puzzle.

Understanding the Basics of Connections

In Connections, players are presented with a grid of 16 words. The goal is to find four groups containing four words connected by a common theme.

Themes can range from synonyms and antonyms to abstract connections like wordplay or cultural references.

Identifying these relationships requires both a broad vocabulary and lateral thinking skills.

Hints for Puzzle #619

To aid in solving today’s puzzle, consider the following category hints:

Structures by the Shore: Think of artificial constructions commonly found near bodies of water.

Small Accidents: Consider terms that describe minor mishaps or unintended events.

Time-Related Terms: Focus on words associated with time, its measurement, or its passage.

Common Extensions: Identify words that form new words related to beverages or hairstyles when a specific suffix or prefix is added.

These hints are designed to guide your thought process without revealing the exact groupings, preserving the puzzle’s challenge.

Strategies for Solving Connections Puzzles

Approaching Connections puzzles systematically can enhance your problem-solving experience. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Identify Obvious Groups First

Scan the list of words for any that immediately appear related.

Grouping the most apparent connections can simplify the puzzle by reducing the number of words to consider for the remaining categories.

2. Consider Multiple Meanings

Many words have multiple definitions or uses. Exploring different interpretations of a word can reveal less obvious connections.

For example, the word “dock” can refer to a structure by the water or the act of deducting part of someone’s wages.

3. Look for Common Prefixes or Suffixes

Some groups may be formed by words that share a typical prefix or suffix. Identifying these can help group words that create new terms when combined with the same addition.

4. Pay Attention to Word Length and Structure

Occasionally, the length of a word or its syllabic structure can provide clues to its grouping. Words with similar patterns might be related in ways that are not immediately apparent.

5. Use the Process of Elimination

As you form groups, eliminate those words from your consideration for the remaining categories. This narrowing down can make spotting the connections among the leftover words easier.