Mastering Monday’s Connections Puzzle: Tips, Tricks, and Answers

Introduction to Connections: The NYT’s Latest Obsession

If Monday mornings are already tough, tackling the New York Times Connections puzzle might feel like an extra hurdle. But don’t worry—Newsweek has got your back! We’ve put together a guide to help you conquer Monday’s brainteaser. Whether you’re new to the game or just need a little nudge, this summary is here to walk you through the rules, tips, and even the answers if you get stuck. Let’s dive in and explore how to make the most of this clever word-based challenge.

How to Play Connections: A Quick Recap

Connections, launched in The New York Times in June 2023, has quickly become the second-most-popular game after the viral sensation Wordle. The game’s premise is simple but tricky: players must group 16 words into four categories based on their subtle relationships. Each category is color-coded by difficulty, with yellow being the easiest and purple the most challenging. Words might share homophones, wordplay, or other clever twists, making the puzzles anything but straightforward. If you’re stuck, you can even use the shuffle button to rearrange the words and spark new ideas.

Tips from the Creator: Wyna Liu’s Expert Advice

Wyna Liu, the crossword editor at The New York Times and the mastermind behind Connections, has shared some valuable tips to help you succeed. Her top advice? Resist the urge to guess too early. “You might spot a clear category and think you see five words that fit, but don’t try guessing the four until you’re sure which one doesn’t belong,” Liu says. Jumping in too soon can cost you a turn, so patience is key. Liu also warns against “rage solving,” a method she admits to using herself on occasion. Take your time, and let the connections reveal themselves naturally.

Monday’s Puzzle: Clues and Categories for Connections #610

Let’s break down the clues for Monday, February 10th’s puzzle, Connections #610:

1. Yellow Category: The action of adding something small or adding a little bit of something.

   • Think about verbs that describe the act of adding in a subtle way.

2. Green Category: Words used to describe an alcoholic drink one usually has with dinner.

   • This one is all about wine! Consider terms you’d use to describe its scent or flavor.

3. Blue Category: Words in relation to giving up, often in a competitive context.

   • This category is about surrender or calling it quits, especially in games or conflicts.
4. Purple Category: They look the same but sound different.
   • This one’s a classic homophone challenge. Think of words that are spelled the same but have different meanings and pronunciations.

Each category’s difficulty increases with its color, so start with the yellow clues if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

The Answers Revealed: Connections #610 Solutions

Still struggling? Don’t worry—we’ve got the answers right here:

1. Yellow Category: Sprinkle

   • Words: Dust, Pepper, Scatter, Shower

2. Green Category: Scents of Wine

   • Words: Aroma, Bouquet, Nose, Note

3. Blue Category: "Aah, Enough!"

   • Words: Mercy, Stop, Truce, Uncle
4. Purple Category: Words Famously Pronounced Different Ways
   • Words: Aunt, Either, Tomato, Vase

Did you guess them correctly? If not, that’s okay! The beauty of Connections lies in its clever twists and challenges.

Embrace the Fun: Keep Playing and Learning

Whether you nailed Monday’s puzzle or need a little more practice, Connections is all about embracing the joy of wordplay and logic. Each puzzle is a fresh opportunity to sharpen your skills and discover new ways to think about language. If Monday’s challenge leaves you stumped, don’t fret—there’s always Tuesday’s puzzle to look forward to. With Newsweek’s help, you’ll be a Connections master in no time. Happy solving!