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Introduction to Make Connections (NYT Puzzle)

Make Connections is a daily word puzzle featured by The New York Times. The puzzle consists of 16 words that players must categorize into four groups of four words each. The goal is to find the common characteristic that links the words within each group. The categories range in difficulty, from Yellow (easiest) to Purple (most challenging), and often require lateral thinking and a broad knowledge base. For example, a puzzle may include words like 'Car,' 'Plane,' 'Boat,' and 'Train,' which can be grouped under 'Means of Transportation.' Another example is 'Blue,' 'Rasp,' 'Goose,' and 'Straw,' which all can form the group '___Berry.'

Main Functions of Make Connections

  • Word Categorization

    Example Example

    Grouping 'Dryer,' 'Hamper,' 'Iron,' and 'Washer' under 'Seen in a Laundry Room.'

    Example Scenario

    Users engage with the puzzle by identifying the shared characteristic among words and forming accurate groups.

  • Difficulty Levels

    Example Example

    Yellow group might be 'Flowers' (e.g., 'Daisy,' 'Rose,' 'Tulip,' 'Violet'), while Purple might be '___ Button' (e.g., 'Belly,' 'Hot,' 'Panic,' 'Snooze').

    Example Scenario

    Each puzzle contains groups with varying difficulty levels, helping to progressively challenge the user’s problem-solving skills.

  • Thematic and Conceptual Connections

    Example Example

    Connecting words like 'Death,' 'Hidden,' 'Silicon,' and 'Uncanny' under '___ Valley.'

    Example Scenario

    Users need to think beyond straightforward associations and consider broader themes or conceptual links.

Ideal Users of Make Connections

  • Puzzle Enthusiasts

    Individuals who enjoy brain teasers and word games will find Make Connections engaging and intellectually stimulating.

  • Educators and Students

    Teachers and students can use these puzzles to enhance vocabulary, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in an educational setting.

How to Use Make Connections (NYT Puzzle)

  • Visit aichatonline.org for a free trial without login, also no need for ChatGPT Plus.

    Access the Make Connections tool easily without needing any prior registration or subscription.

  • Understand the Puzzle Rules

    Familiarize yourself with the objective of the game: grouping 16 words into four categories of four words each.

  • Analyze Initial Words

    Consider all possible meanings for each word to identify potential groupings.

  • Group by Difficulty

    Start with easier groups (Yellow and Green) and move towards more challenging ones (Blue and Purple).

  • Use Process of Elimination

    Eliminate incorrect groupings to narrow down possibilities, ensuring each word fits uniquely in one group.

  • Vocabulary Building
  • Puzzle Solving
  • Trivia
  • Brain Teasers
  • Word Games

Q&A about Make Connections (NYT Puzzle)

  • What is the objective of Make Connections (NYT Puzzle)?

    The objective is to group 16 words into four categories, with each category containing four words that share a common characteristic.

  • How are the words grouped in the puzzle?

    Words are grouped based on shared characteristics, with groups varying in difficulty from easy (Yellow) to challenging (Purple).

  • What are some strategies for solving the puzzle?

    Strategies include listing all possible meanings for each word, identifying thematic links, starting with easier groups, and using the process of elimination.

  • Can words fit into multiple categories?

    While some words may seem to fit multiple categories, there is only one correct solution where each word fits uniquely into one group.

  • Are there any common themes in the puzzles?

    Common themes include categories like means of transportation, animal homophones, book sections, and classic Halloween costumes.