The Connections puzzle from the New York Times for October 18, 2025, challenges players with themes centered around movement, athletics, Hollywood, and transactions. Since its launch in June 2023, the puzzle has continued to engage audiences with its clever wordplay and thematic connections.
For those tackling today’s puzzle, hints for each category provide a solid starting point. The yellow group relates to movement, inspired by the lighthearted “Speedo Guy” from the animated series “Bob’s Burgers.” The green group pertains to athletic activities, focusing on phrases commonly used in team sports played on a court. The blue group takes a Hollywood twist, referencing well-known films such as “Footloose,” “Moonstruck,” “Top Gun,” and “Indiana Jones.” Lastly, the purple group revolves around transactions, playfully hinting that sounding out the words will reveal their connections.
The specific words provided for each category are as follows:
– Yellow group (Glide): Breeze, coast, float, skate.
– Green group (Words before “ball” in sports): Dodge, hand, pickle, racquet.
– Blue group (Prolific actors): Bacon, Cage, Cruise, Ford.
– Purple group (Homophones of synonyms for “vend”): Cell, hock, pedal, trayed.
These connections offer players a fun and engaging way to explore language and categories, creating a thought-provoking game that continues to captivate fans. The rotating themes and clever prompts not only challenge the players’ vocabulary but also enhance their problem-solving skills, making each Connections puzzle a delightful mental exercise. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, tapping into these hints can help provide a competitive edge and make the experience even more enjoyable.