‘Connections’ February 28: Hints and Answers for Puzzle #628

Connections is Back with Another Daily Brainteaser!

The New York Times’ Connections game has become a global sensation since its release in June 2023. This engaging puzzle challenges players to group 16 words into four categories based on a common theme. The game, which has been eagerly anticipated by word game enthusiasts, has been making waves worldwide, thanks to its unique and creative approach to problem-solving. Wyna Liu, the puzzle editor at The New York Times responsible for creating Connections, has shared her passion for crafting these challenges. In an interview, Liu expressed how she finds joy in building games, describing it as finding a creative solution to a problem of her own making. Her dedication to the game’s design is evident in the way each puzzle is carefully curated to test players’ thinking skills and vocabulary.

The Creative Process Behind the Game

Liu has revealed that creating Connections puzzles is no easy task. In a separate interview, she shared that she often doesn’t know where a board will lead her when she starts designing it. “It really does take a long time to fudge things and try different angles,” she admitted. This process of trial and error adds a layer of complexity to the game, ensuring that each puzzle is as challenging as it is rewarding. The result is a game that not only tests players’ ability to think creatively but also keeps them engaged with its cleverly designed categories.

How to Play Connections

For those new to the game, Connections is a puzzle where players must separate 16 words into four categories based on a common theme. The categories are color-coded by difficulty, ranging from yellow (easiest) to purple (most challenging). For example, in a recent puzzle, the yellow category included words like “call,” “dial,” “phone,” and “ring,” all related to the theme “Contact via telephone.” Meanwhile, the purple category offered a more complex challenge, such as linking “bigfoot,” “compound,” “Instagram,” and “thermometer” under the theme “Ending with units of measure.”

After making their selections, players receive immediate feedback. Correct answers are highlighted in their respective category colors and removed from the board, while incorrect selections remain, giving players another chance to try again. The game is not timed, but players are limited to just four guesses before the answers are revealed. This adds an element of suspense and keeps players on their toes as they race to solve the puzzle before the answers are exposed.

Hints and Clues for Connections #628

For Friday, February 28, Newsweek has provided helpful hints and clues to assist players in tackling Connections #628. The hints for the puzzle are as follows:

• Yellow: Unable to make a decision
• Green: Words to describe someone who is charming
• Blue: Intelligibility
• Purple: Metaphor components that cannot be reversed

These hints offer a starting point for players to begin their problem-solving journey. However, players are cautioned to scroll carefully, as the answers are also revealed at the bottom of the page. For those who prefer to solve the puzzle on their own, it’s best to avoid spoilers and take on the challenge unaided.

Answers to Connections #628

For those who couldn’t resist the temptation or simply want to check their progress, the answers to Connections #628 are as follows:

• Yellow Category: Be Indecisive
  Words: Hesitate, Waffle, Waver, Yo-yo

• Green Category: Lovely Person
  Words: Angel, Dear, Doll, Peach

• Blue Category: Lucidity
  Words: Marbles, Mind, Sense, Wits

• Purple Category: Components of Metaphors for Things That Can’t Be Undone
  Words: Bell, Egg, Genie, Toothpaste

The answers highlight the clever wordplay and thematic connections that make Connections such a compelling game. Players who managed to solve it on their own should feel a sense of accomplishment, while those who struggled can take comfort in knowing that practice makes perfect.

Keep Playing and Explore More Word-Based Games

If you enjoyed today’s puzzle, don’t worry—there are more challenges on the way! Connections is released daily at midnight in your local time zone, giving you a fresh opportunity to test your skills every day. In the meantime, word game enthusiasts might want to explore other popular games. Whether you’re a fan of crosswords, word searches, or other puzzle formats, there’s no shortage of engaging word-based games to keep your mind sharp and entertained. So, keep playing, keep learning, and keep having fun with the world of words!