The New York Times Connections puzzle has rapidly become one of the most popular daily word games for both casual players and puzzle enthusiasts. Released every day, it challenges solvers to group 16 seemingly random words into four categories, each with a distinct theme. The appeal lies in its simplicity yet surprising depth, pushing players to think laterally and spot connections that are not always immediately obvious.
On October 20, 2025, Puzzle #862 tested the mental agility of solvers with a unique set of words. This article will provide detailed explanations, tips, and strategies to help you conquer today’s puzzle while enhancing your vocabulary and analytical skills.
How NYT Connections Works
Before diving into the answers, let’s review the basics:
Objective: Group 16 words into 4 categories of 4 words each.
Themes: Categories can range from straightforward (like chemical elements) to abstract (like types of corn or idiomatic expressions).
Hints: Some platforms use color-coding once a correct group is identified, helping solvers track progress.
Difficulty: Daily puzzles vary in difficulty. Often, one category is easier to identify, while the last group can be tricky.
The game’s design encourages pattern recognition, lateral thinking, and vocabulary recall. Regular players find that over time, spotting categories becomes faster as familiarity with common word associations grows.
NYT Connections Puzzle #862: October 20, 2025 Answers
🟨 Yellow Category: Words Representing Affliction
The yellow group was relatively straightforward for most solvers, focusing on forms of trouble, annoyance, or difficulty. The words were:
Bugbear – Something causing persistent annoyance or worry.
Complex – Can refer to a psychological or structural difficulty.
Demon – Often metaphorically linked to personal struggles or fears.
Hang-Up – Refers to a psychological or emotional obstacle.
These four words share a common theme of “affliction” or “trouble.” Once identified, it is often easiest to start with the most obvious category to build momentum in solving the puzzle.
🟩 Green Category: Constellations and Celestial Figures
The green category represented a moderate level of difficulty, featuring words associated with constellations or stars:
Big Bear – Short for Ursa Major, a prominent constellation in the northern sky.
Centaur – Refers to the constellation Centaurus.
Hunter – Commonly associated with Orion, known as “The Hunter.”
Lyre – Refers to the Lyra constellation, symbolized by the musical instrument.
This category required players to think beyond literal meanings and consider celestial references, mythology, and astronomy.
🟦 Blue Category: Periodic Table Elements
The blue group focused on chemistry and required knowledge of the periodic table:
As – Arsenic
Be – Beryllium
I – Iodine
K – Potassium
This category is often a favorite for players with scientific knowledge. Recognizing chemical symbols quickly can save valuable time, especially for more challenging puzzles.
🟪 Purple Category: Types of Corn
The purple category posed the biggest challenge, as it involved abstract connections:
A – Represents grade A corn in certain classifications.
Capri – A variety of corn used in specific culinary contexts.
Pop – Refers to popcorn.
Uni – Often used in cuisine or specialty corn types in global recipes.
Abstract categories like this test both vocabulary and cultural knowledge. Players benefit from thinking laterally and considering different contexts, including food, agriculture, and culinary terminology.
Expert Tips for Solving NYT Connections
Start with the Easiest Group: Always identify the most obvious category first. This builds confidence and narrows down possibilities for the remaining words.
Use Word Associations: Think about synonyms, metaphors, or broader categories. For example, “Demon” fits with afflictions, not just literal meanings.
Shuffle Words if Stuck: Reordering the word list can provide new visual cues, helping spot patterns that are not immediately obvious.
Cross-Reference Categories: If a word could belong to multiple groups, consider which combination leaves logical options for the remaining words.
Regular Practice: The more you play, the better you get at spotting connections quickly. Familiarity with categories and common patterns improves speed and accuracy.
Think Broadly and Creatively: Some words may have unexpected associations. “Lyre” isn’t just a musical instrument—it’s also a constellation.
Benefits of Playing NYT Connections
Enhances Vocabulary: Solving puzzles exposes players to new words and meanings.
Improves Cognitive Skills: Players practice pattern recognition, lateral thinking, and problem-solving.
Mental Exercise: Regularly engaging with puzzles keeps the mind sharp and improves memory.
Fun and Addictive: Daily puzzles provide a satisfying challenge, creating anticipation for the next release.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is NYT Connections?
The NYT Connections puzzle is a daily word game where players must group 16 words into four categories based on shared themes.
Q2: How often is the puzzle updated?
New puzzles are released every day on the New York Times Games platform.
Q3: Can I play past puzzles?
Yes, the NYT Games website allows access to past puzzles, enabling practice and review.
Q4: What strategies improve performance?
Identifying the easiest category first, using word associations, shuffling the list, and regular practice are effective strategies.
Q5: Are there different difficulty levels?
While all puzzles follow the same 16-word format, the complexity of categories varies, with some puzzles being easier and others more abstract.
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