Hints for NYT Connections: Clues and Solutions for May 17, 2025

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Connections is one of the most popular New York Times word games that has captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight, and each new set of words gets trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to help you overcome challenges. If you want to know today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

        <h2>What is Connections?</h2>

        The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bring it to the publication's Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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        Each puzzle features 16 words, and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words may seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong, and it counts as a mistake—players can make up to four mistakes before the game ends.

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        Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

        <h2>Here's a hint for today's Connections categories</h2>
        Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

        <h3>Featured Video For You</h3>

        <h2>Connections: How to play and how to win</h2>

        <h2>Here's today's Connections categories</h2>
        Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories: 
        Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle. 
        Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions. Drumroll, please! The solution to today's Connections #706 is...

        <h3>What is the answer to Connections today?</h3>
        Member of a kingdom in taxonomy: ANIMAL, BACTERIA, FUNGUS, PLANT  
        Graduated instruments: BEAKER, PROTRACTOR, RULER, SYRINGE  
        Kinds of penguins: CHINSTRAP, EMPEROR, KING, MACARONI  
        "E" Things: COMMERCE, MAIL, SCOOTER, SIGNATURE  

        Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

        <h2>Are you also playing NYT Strands?</h2>
        See hints and answers for today's Strands. If you're looking for more puzzles, check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more. Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

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