If you’re struggling with Connections, Newsweek is here to help with another round of hints and the solutions for Monday’s puzzle.
If you are new to the game, here is some background information to help get you up to speed.
The Connections game is a word-based puzzle that tests your cognitive abilities and sharpens your analytical thinking. It is a game of pattern recognition, association, and categorization that appeals to those who enjoy solving problems through logical connections and lateral thinking.
In a typical game, you are presented with a grid of 16 seemingly unrelated words. The objective is to group these words into four sets of four, with each set sharing a common theme or connection.
This connection can be based on various factors, such as synonyms, categories, or a more abstract relationship between the words. Once you identify all four groups correctly, you win the game.
Stock image of people looking at a phone. “Connections” is a popular word game played on cellphones.
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
How to Play Connections
The challenge lies in deciphering the hidden relationships between the words. Often, there will be words that seem to fit into multiple groups, or connections that are not immediately apparent. This is where the game tests your ability to think outside the box.
Some links might be more straightforward—like grouping animal names, colors, or types of food—but others may require a deeper level of reasoning. For example, words might be linked by idiomatic phrases, cultural references, or even homophones.
Connections is not only a test of your vocabulary, but also a way to engage your brain in creative problem-solving. It stimulates your cognitive flexibility by encouraging you to explore different interpretations and angles.
As you play more rounds, you begin to develop strategies for identifying connections more quickly. For instance, some players might start by scanning for obvious categories, while others might look for trickier, more abstract groupings first.
Whether you are playing solo or with friends, Connections offers a satisfying mental workout. It is the perfect mix of challenge and fun, making it an excellent choice for puzzle lovers.
Each round is a fresh experience, pushing players to sharpen their mental acuity and expand their understanding of word relationships.
Connections #456 Clues for Monday, September 9
Newsweek has some hints to help you figure out Monday’s Connections categories.
Yellow: Associated with changing color
Green: Something that never ends
Blue: Related to food assortment or serving
Purple: Television shows
Connections #456 Answers for Monday September 9
Yellow Category: GET RED IN THE FACE
Yellow Words: Blush, Burn, Flush, Glow
Green Category: CONTINUOUS
Green Words: Consecutive, Nonstop, Solid, Straight
Blue Category: FLAVOR ASSORTMENT
Blue Words: Flight, Platter, Sampler, Tasting
Purple Category: SITCOMS
Purple Words: Blossom, Coach, Community, Full House
Did you work out the answers? If so, congratulations; if not, please don’t be put off. Practice makes perfect, and the next Connections puzzle will be published on Tuesday.
Connections is released at midnight in your local time zone, and Newsweek will be back with another round of hints and tips.
