How to Beat the Purple Category in NYT Connections

Wiki Article

If you've been hooked on the New York Times game “Connections,” you know how tricky the purple category can be. It's the one that usually groups words with a subtle or unusual link—think puns, wordplay, or pop culture references. It’s often the last category people figure out, and it can definitely be frustrating. But don’t worry—there are a few simple tricks that can help you get better at spotting those purple groupings.

First, if you're new to the game or want to warm up, check out https://connections-games.com/ for daily practice. It’s a helpful way to get used to the types of word groups that the game likes to use (without giving away spoilers).

Now, let’s talk strategy. The purple group is usually more about thinking differently than about deep knowledge. So one of the best things you can do is stop looking for obvious links. Instead of asking yourself “What do these words mean?” try “How could these words work together in a playful way?” For example, words might sound alike (like “knight” and “night”) or be things that go together in a silly way (like “rock,” “paper,” “scissors,” and “lizard”).

Another trick is to look for words that don’t seem to fit any other group. Purples are often the leftovers that didn’t quite belong in the yellow, green, or blue rows. If you can see a pattern in the misfits, that might be your purple group.

Your brain might try to overthink things—don’t let it. Try saying the words out loud. Sometimes hearing them can bring up a connection that you didn’t catch by just looking. Also, don’t be afraid to guess. You get four wrong attempts before the game ends, so use them wisely to test your ideas.

Finally, be patient. The purple category isn’t a test of how smart you are. It’s more like a puzzle that wants you to think sideways. You’ll get better with practice, and once you start spotting those sneaky links, it becomes a lot more fun.

So remember—take your time, have fun with it, and keep practicing. You’ll crack that purple group more often the more you play!