The New York Times Connections puzzle for December 27, 2025 presents a unique challenge for wordplay enthusiasts. Players must sort 16 words into four categories, with each category concealing a theme that can lead to misdirection. This edition features varying degrees of difficulty, with a particularly surprising twist in one of the groups that shapes the overall solution.
Understanding the Puzzle Structure
In NYT Connections, the goal is to categorize 16 words into four groups of four. Each group shares a common theme, although the specific category remains hidden until players complete the puzzle. Typically, players can make up to three mistakes before the game ends, adding a layer of pressure. The categories are color-coded by difficulty, ranging from yellow to purple, with the latter often presenting the most challenging connections.
The words featured in this puzzle include: CREDIT, VILLAGER, CALLING, FIRST, BUSINESS, NAME, REPORT, NAMESAKE, DECIDER, PREMIUM, CRAFT, ECONOMY, LINE, CITE, TRADE, and REFERENCE. Each word plays a crucial role in determining the groups.
Category Breakdown and Insights
The groups this time around include:
- Yellow Group: Airline classes (BUSINESS, ECONOMY, FIRST, PREMIUM)
- Green Group: Attribution terms (CITE, CREDIT, NAME, REFERENCE)
- Blue Group: Vocational terms (CALLING, CRAFT, LINE, TRADE)
- Purple Group: Hidden references to alcoholic beverages (DECIDER, NAMESAKE, REPORT, VILLAGER)
Each group presents a unique challenge. The yellow group is relatively straightforward, especially for those familiar with airline seating classifications. The green group introduces complexity, as the word REPORT can mislead players into thinking it belongs to the attribution category but is ultimately placed elsewhere.
The blue group requires players to delve into job-related language, with LINE demanding abstract thinking. In contrast, the purple group introduces a more intricate challenge, relying on concealed references to drinks rather than their semantic meanings. This unexpected twist has made the puzzle particularly memorable for solvers.
“The December 27 grid highlights why NYT Connections remains engaging, with logical groupings mixed with bold wordplay,”
said a spokesperson for the New York Times.
This edition’s mix of straightforward and abstract connections forces players to carefully consider each word’s placement. The final category centered on alcohol stands out as a notable deviation from standard themes, making it an unforgettable aspect of the puzzle.
For regular players, the key to success lies in eliminating obvious groupings early on and reserving the more experimental patterns for the later stages. The December 27 puzzle challenges both new and seasoned players, ensuring an engaging experience for all.