The New York Times' word puzzle sensation, Connections, has cemented its place as a daily ritual for millions of players worldwide, including a massive following in India. Blending the straightforward appeal of games like Wordle with deeper layers of logic and pattern recognition, it offers a unique mental workout. The puzzle for December 20, 2025, game number 923, perfectly exemplifies this blend of challenge and satisfaction, testing players' knowledge and lateral thinking.
What Is NYT Connections and How to Play?
NYT Connections is not your typical word game. It presents players with a grid of 16 seemingly unrelated words. The core challenge is to categorize these words into four groups of four, each linked by a clever, often subtle, common theme. The connections can range from simple and concrete to highly abstract, demanding sharp analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. Accessible for free on both desktop and mobile devices, its easy-to-learn but hard-to-master nature has made it a staple in daily digital routines for enthusiasts seeking to boost their mental agility.
Strategic Hints for December 20, 2025 Puzzle (#923)
For those tackling puzzle number 923, subtle hints are available to nudge players in the right direction without spoiling the fun. These clues are designed to encourage logical deduction. For the December 20 edition, the hints were strategically framed:
- Yellow: Look for storage.
- Green: It's all part of the same hygienic process.
- Blue: Look for sources of music.
- Purple: Add a stone.
These pointers guide players toward recognizing patterns, helping them group words based on thematic ties like everyday objects, services, pop culture, and common phrases.
Full Solution and Categories for Game #923
If the hints weren't enough and you're ready for the reveal, here are the complete categories and answers for the NYT Connections puzzle dated December 20, 2025. The four groups, sorted by increasing difficulty from Yellow to Purple, are as follows:
Yellow Category: Containers
The words Bucket, Can, Drum, and Tin all refer to common objects used for holding or storing things.
Green Category: Laundry Services
This group comprised the verbs Dry, Fold, Press, and Wash, each representing a standard step in professional laundry or clothing care.
Blue Category: British Bands Formed In The 1970's, With "The"
This music-themed category featured iconic band names: The Clash, The Cure, The Damned, and The Fall.
Purple Category: Rock ___
The trickiest group required players to complete the phrase "Rock ___" with the words Bottom, Lobster, Music, and Salt (as in Rock Bottom, Rock Lobster, Rock Music, and Rock Salt).
Frequently Asked Questions About NYT Connections
How do you play NYT Connections?
Players are given a 4x4 grid of words and must identify four groups of four words that share a common, often clever, connection.
Are hints available in the game?
Yes, the game provides gentle, color-coded hints to assist players without giving away the solution directly.
Is NYT Connections free to play?
Absolutely. The game is completely free to play on both mobile devices and computers through The New York Times website or app.
What cognitive skills does the game improve?
Regular play enhances pattern recognition, logical reasoning, lateral thinking, and problem-solving abilities, making it a beneficial exercise for the mind.
The enduring global fascination with Connections lies in its perfect balance of simplicity and depth. Each daily puzzle, like #923 from December 20, 2025, serves as a compact test of intellect and cultural knowledge, continuing to engage and challenge a dedicated international community of puzzle solvers.
