If you’ve been hooked on The New York Times’ “Connections” word game, you’re not alone. The addictive yet educational puzzle challenges players to sort words into related groups, and today’s puzzle—January 6, 2025—proved to be especially tricky.
But don’t worry—we’ve got the hints and answers you need to crack today’s grid.
How to Play “Connections”
“Connections” is a brain-teasing word game that starts with a grid of 16 words. The goal is to sort them into four related groups of four words each.
Each group is marked by a difficulty color:
- Yellow: Easier groups
- Green: Medium difficulty
- Blue and Purple: The most challenging
Once players identify a group, they click “submit.” If correct, the group is categorized by its color. The game tests your knowledge, vocabulary, and ability to think outside the box.
Hints for January 6, 2025
Here are the hints to help you solve today’s puzzle:
- Terms related to heavy breathing or exertion.
- Words that describe something broad or all-encompassing.
- Phrases often used to describe tasks that require little effort.
- Words that refer to the back or posterior, with a small adjustment to their spelling.
Feeling stumped? No worries—we’ve got the full solution below.
Today’s “Connections” Answers
Here are the answers for January 6, 2025:
1. Breathe Hard
- GASP
- HEAVE
- PANT
- PUFF
2. Catchall
- BLANKET
- BROAD
- GENERAL
- UMBRELLA
3. Metaphors for Easy Things
- ABC
- BREEZE
- PICNIC
- PIE
4. Synonyms for Rear Minus Last Letter
- ARS (from “arse”)
- BOOT
- BUT
- RUM (from “rump”)
Behind the Scenes of “Connections”
Wyna Liu, the editor of “Connections,” has shared insights into the creative process behind the game. In a 2024 interview with Slate, she revealed that building the puzzles often takes surprising turns.
“The process is I have a notebook where I keep down category ideas. When I sit down to make boards, I’ll take one of those ideas and start spinning off of them. The boards will be built from that, and sometimes it goes in surprising directions. That’s one of the most joyful things about making games.”
Liu’s process emphasizes creativity and discovery, ensuring each puzzle offers a unique challenge.
Why We Love “Connections”
“Connections” isn’t just a game—it’s a daily mental workout that sharpens your thinking and expands your vocabulary. Whether you’re a seasoned solver or a curious beginner, each grid presents a fun way to test your skills and discover surprising word relationships.
Final Thoughts
The January 6, 2025, “Connections” puzzle was a challenge, but now you’ve got the answers to keep your winning streak alive! Be sure to check back tomorrow for more hints and solutions to The New York Times’ addictive word game.
What category stumped you the most today? Share your thoughts in the comments below,
