The New York Times Connections puzzle continues to grow in popularity, drawing word game lovers from around the world. Each day, players are presented with 16 words, and the challenge is to group them into four categories of four words each. These categories may relate to meanings, usage, spelling, or cultural references.
The June 18, 2025 edition—puzzle #738—proved to be a mix of obvious clues and clever curveballs. In this article, we’ll walk you through the hints to help you solve the game, followed by the full answer grid and strategies to improve your gameplay. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced solver, you’ll find value here.
- Hints for NYT Connections Puzzle – June 18, 2025
- Answers for NYT Connections Puzzle – June 18, 2025
- How to Approach NYT Connections Strategically
- Puzzle Difficulty Rating – June 18, 2025
- Why NYT Connections Remains So Popular
- NYT Connections Tips for Future Puzzles
- FAQs: NYT Connections June 18, 2025
- Final Thoughts
Hints for NYT Connections Puzzle – June 18, 2025
NYT Connections always sorts the correct answers into four color-coded categories: Yellow (easy), Green (medium), Blue (hard), and Purple (trickiest). Here are the hints for each group without revealing the answers right away:
Yellow Group – Terms associated with bad or gloomy weather
Green Group – Words that describe accuracy or hitting the mark
Blue Group – Items that are commonly found inside a pod
Purple Group – Body parts hidden inside other words with one extra letter
Take a moment to think about each group. Sometimes, just reading the hints out loud helps you make connections faster. And remember, words may have double meanings or hidden patterns.
Answers for NYT Connections Puzzle – June 18, 2025
If you’ve given the hints a shot and still need help, here are the full solutions for puzzle #738:
| Group | Theme | Words |
| Yellow | Gloomy Weather Conditions | Cold, Gray, Wet, Windy |
| Green | Synonyms for Precision | Smack, Dead, Right, Exactly |
| Blue | Found in a Pod | Astronaut, Coffee, Pea, Whale |
| Purple | Body Parts Hidden with a Twist | Barm (Arm), Lear (Ear), Rankle (Ankle), Ship (Hip) |
Some words may not immediately make sense in their category—like “Astronaut” in the pod group—but think in broader terms. Astronauts travel in space pods. Similarly, “Coffee” and “Pea” both grow in pods. NYT Connections loves using metaphors and multi-layered logic, so creative thinking is key.
How to Approach NYT Connections Strategically
Many players struggle because they try to find literal connections too early. Here’s how to improve your performance and make solving more consistent:
Start with the Obvious Words
Go for the easiest group first—usually Yellow. These words tend to be more direct and familiar.
Shuffle for a New View
The shuffle button exists for a reason. A new arrangement often makes hidden patterns pop out more clearly.
Look for Prefixes or Hidden Words
For Purple groups especially, scan for body parts or smaller words inside longer ones. “Rankle” hides “ankle.” That pattern can help solve difficult sets.
Think About Categories Creatively
NYT Connections often uses non-obvious groupings. “Smack” and “Dead” seem unrelated until you remember the phrase “smack dab in the middle” or “dead center.”
Use Elimination
If you’re unsure about a word, group the others first. This process of elimination narrows down your possibilities and increases your accuracy.
Puzzle Difficulty Rating – June 18, 2025
Today’s puzzle is moderately difficult. The Yellow and Green groups are fairly straightforward, especially for seasoned players. However, the Blue group requires lateral thinking, while the Purple group demands a close examination of spelling and structure. Overall, it earns a 3.5 out of 5 in difficulty.
Why NYT Connections Remains So Popular
NYT Connections is more than just a daily word puzzle. It’s an addictive mental exercise that sharpens your thinking, builds your vocabulary, and rewards lateral problem-solving. Here’s what makes it special:
Daily Challenge with Fresh Themes
Every puzzle brings a new theme, so it never feels repetitive. You might face musical instruments one day and internet slang the next.
Accessible Yet Brain-Teasing
The blend of easy and difficult groups keeps both casual players and puzzle veterans engaged.
Clean, Simple Gameplay
Its elegant interface and limited guess count (only four wrong tries allowed) make each move meaningful.
Community Engagement
Many players compare results and strategies on social media, building a sense of community.
NYT Connections Tips for Future Puzzles
If you’re looking to get better at NYT Connections, consider these tried-and-true methods:
Practice Word Association Games
Training your brain to find connections will help you recognize NYT’s patterns faster.
Solve Backwards
Once you guess a group correctly, reverse-engineer what made them connect. It builds your puzzle instinct.
Keep a Personal Word List
Some categories reappear with variation. Keeping track of previous puzzles may give you an edge.
Avoid Rushing
You only get four chances to make mistakes. Think carefully before locking in a group.
FAQs: NYT Connections June 18, 2025
Q1: What was the trickiest category today?
The Purple group, where body parts are embedded in words, was the toughest. Many players missed these due to the extra letters hiding the clue.
Q2: How many mistakes are allowed?
You’re allowed four wrong group guesses. After that, the game ends.
Q3: Can I play older puzzles?
Yes, NYT Connections archives allow users to revisit previous puzzles and track progress.
Q4: Is there a paid version?
No, NYT Connections is currently free and accessible on the New York Times Games website.
Final Thoughts
June 18’s NYT Connections puzzle brought a healthy mix of creativity and logic. While some words tested even seasoned players, the challenge remains enjoyable and mentally stimulating. With a little strategy and practice, anyone can get better at solving. Whether you aced it or needed a nudge, tomorrow offers a brand new challenge. Keep checking back daily for fresh hints and full answer breakdowns.