The New York Times has captivated audiences with its engaging and intellectually stimulating word game, Connections. This game has rapidly gained popularity due to its unique blend of challenge and education. On January 13, 2025, players faced a particularly tough puzzle that tested their vocabulary and word association skills. For those seeking assistance, we’re here to provide the essential hints and the ultimate solution to today’s tricky puzzle.

Fortunately, we’ve compiled the hints and the definitive answer to help you conquer today’s challenge.

Master the Game: Effective Strategies for Playing ‘Connections’

To begin, Connections presents players with a grid of 16 words, which they must skillfully categorize into four distinct groups based on shared themes or meanings. Each category is color-coded to signify its level of difficulty, with yellow representing the easiest and purple denoting the hardest. This structured approach not only makes the game accessible to newcomers but also provides a rewarding challenge for seasoned players looking to enhance their wordplay skills and strategic thinking.

Once players have identified four related words within each group, they can confidently click “submit.” If their selections are accurate, the corresponding category will change to its designated color, offering immediate feedback and encouragement. This dynamic interaction keeps players engaged and motivated as they navigate the complexities of the game.

Unlocking Today’s Puzzle: Essential Hints for ‘Connections’ on January 13

To assist you in cracking today’s “Connections” puzzle, we’ve gathered some valuable hints:

• Look for words associated with the process of educating or facilitating learning.
• Consider terms that relate to saving or retaining items for future use.
• Focus on common instructions that one might receive while learning to drive.
• Think about popular terms that can be completed with the word “worm.”

The editor of “Connections,” Wyna Liu, understands the challenges players face when they encounter a difficult puzzle. In an enlightening discussion with Slate in July 2024, Liu shared insights into the creative process behind developing each game. She emphasized the importance of brainstorming category ideas, which she meticulously records in a notebook.

Liu elaborated, stating, “When I sit down to create boards, I draw from these ideas, selecting words and exploring their connections. The development process often leads to unexpected and joyful outcomes. I start with a foundational concept and explore its potential, generating numerous categories as I consider how the words might relate to one another. This organic process allows for creativity and surprises, making game creation an exciting journey.”

Reveal the Solution: What’s Today’s Answer for ‘Connections’ on January 13?

The definitive answers for today’s engaging game of “Connections” are as follows:

1. Teach: COACH, GUIDE, SCHOOL, TRAIN
2. Cache: BANK, POOL, RESERVE, STORE
3. Driving Instructor Directives: BRAKE, PARK, SIGNAL, TURN
4. _____ Worm: BOOK, EARTH, GLOW, INCH