Ah, the sweet agony of a New York Times Connections puzzle! You’ve stared at the grid, shuffled the words in your mind, and maybe even let out a frustrated sigh or two. It happens to the best of us. That satisfying click when a category reveals itself, only to be followed by the brain-bending struggle of the next three, is what makes Connections so addictively brilliant. If you’re currently wrestling with puzzle #940, the one from January 6th, and feeling completely stuck, take a deep breath. We’ve got your back. Let’s unravel this linguistic knot together.
Cracking the Code: General Connections Strategies
Before we dive into the specifics of puzzle #940, it’s worth reminding ourselves of the universal truths of Connections. Success often hinges on a blend of pattern recognition, lateral thinking, and a good dose of perseverance. Don’t just stare at the words; interact with them. Here are a few evergreen tips:
- Start with the Obvious (or Seemingly Obvious): Sometimes a yellow category (the easiest) will practically jump out at you. Group words that immediately feel related. If you’re not sure, try to articulate the connection. If you can’t, it might be a red herring.
- Look for Homophones or Puns: The purple category (the trickiest) often involves wordplay – words that sound alike but are spelled differently, or words that have double meanings when combined with an implied word.
- Identify Types or Categories: Are they all types of fruit? Musical instruments? Things you find in a kitchen? Verbs related to movement? Be specific with your categories.
- Mind the Overlaps: This is where Connections truly shines its devious light. Several words might seem to fit into multiple categories. This is intentional. When this happens, set those ambiguous words aside and focus on the ones that only seem to fit one very specific connection.
- Think About What’s Not There: Sometimes eliminating words that clearly don’t belong to a budding category can help clarify the remaining options.
Unlocking Puzzle #940: Hints Without the Spoilers
Okay, let’s get down to today’s challenge. Puzzle #940 had a few delightful twists. Remember, the key is to approach each category with a fresh perspective. Here are some gentle nudges to get your gears turning without spoiling the surprise.
Category 1 (Yellow): Simple & Sweet
Think about things you might grab for a quick snack or find in a fruit bowl. These words are pretty straightforward, almost deceptively so. Don’t overthink this one; it’s likely one of the more common groupings.
Category 2 (Green): Protective Layers
This category involves things that have a natural, hard exterior. Consider different types of living things or food items that come with their own built-in defense or covering. What kind of shell or rind comes to mind?
Category 3 (Blue): Before the “Ball” Drops
This one requires you to think associatively. Each word in this group can precede a very common four-letter word to form a compound noun. Imagine a phrase where the second word is consistently “BALL”. What words go in front of it? This is a classic Connections technique.
Category 4 (Purple): Sound Alikes
This is often the trickiest, and for puzzle #940, it certainly lived up to its reputation. Focus on the sound of the words rather than their spelling. What do these words sound like, and what other words share that exact pronunciation but have different meanings? As one avid player, Maya S., shared, “Sometimes the trick is to stop overthinking and just trust your gut on the obvious ones first. The others often fall into place after that.” This wisdom is particularly apt for a purple category like this one.
The Big Reveal: Answers for January 6, Puzzle #940
If you’re still scratching your head, or if you just want to confirm your brilliance, here are the answers for puzzle #940. Congratulations if you got them all!
Category 1: FRUITS
The words were: APPLE, PEAR, GRAPE, PLUM
Category 2: THINGS WITH A SHELL
The words were: NUT, CRAB, EGG, TURTLE
Category 3: WORDS BEFORE “BALL”
The words were: EYE, FIRE, SNOW, STRIKE (e.g., eyeball, fireball, snowball, strike ball)
Category 4: HOMOPHONES OF “RIGHT”
The words were: KNIGHT, NIGHT, WRITE, RIGHT
There you have it! Whether you cracked it on your own or needed a little nudge, the journey through Connections is always a rewarding one. Don’t let one tricky puzzle deter you. Every day brings a new grid and a new set of cerebral delights. Keep playing, keep thinking, and keep that word detective hat on. Good luck with tomorrow’s challenge!
