
NYT ‘Connections' Hints For Friday, August 8: Today's Clues And Answers
Hey there, Connectors! Happy Friday to one and all.
I hope you have some fun and/or relaxing plans lined up for this weekend. Most of all, though, I really hope you take time to practice self care. Admittedly, I don't always do the best job of that – I'm very much not in shape – but it's important to remember to take positive steps forward and look after ourselves as best we can.
Before we begin, we have a great little community on Discord, where we chat about NYT Connections, the rest of the NYT games and all kinds of other stuff. Everyone who has joined has been lovely. It's a fun hangout spot, and you're more than welcome to hang out with us.
Discord is also the best way to give me any feedback about the column, especially on the rare (or not-so-rare) occasions that I mess something up. I don't look at the comments or Twitter much. You can also read my weekend editions of this column at my new newsletter, Pastimes.
Today's NYT Connections hints and answers for Friday, August 8 are coming right up.
How To Play Connections
Connections is a free, popular New York Times daily word game. You get a new puzzle at midnight every day. You can play on the NYT's website or Games app.
You're presented with a grid of 16 words. Your task is to arrange them into four groups of four by figuring out the links between them. The groups could be things like items you can click, names for research study participants or words preceded by a body part.
There's only one solution for each puzzle, and you'll need to be careful when it comes to words that might fit into more than one category. You can shuffle the words to perhaps help you see links between them.
Each group is color coded. The yellow group is usually the easiest to figure out, blue and green fall in the middle, and the purple group is usually the most difficult one. The purple group often involves wordplay.
Select four words you think go together and press Submit. If you make a guess and you're incorrect, you'll lose a life. If you're close to having a correct group, you might see a message telling you that you're one word away from getting it right, but you'll still need to figure out which one to swap.
If you make four mistakes, it's game over. Let's make sure that doesn't happen with the help of some hints, and, if you're really struggling, today's Connections answers. As with Wordle and other similar games, it's easy to share results with your friends on social media and group chats.
If you have an NYT All Access or Games subscription, you can access the publication's Connections archive. This includes every previous game of Connections, so you can go back and play any of those that you have missed.
Aside from the first 60 games or so, you should be able to find our hints Google if you need them! Just click here and add the date of the game for which you need clues or the answers to the search query.
What Are Today's Connections Hints?
Scroll slowly! Just after the hints for each of today's Connections groups, I'll reveal what the groups are without immediately telling you which words go into them.
Today's 16 words are...
And the hints for today's Connections groups are:
One Word For Each Connections Group
Need some extra help?
Be warned: we're starting to get into spoiler territory.
Let's take a look at one word for each group.
Today's Connections word hints are…
What Are Today's Connections Groups?
Today's Connections groups are...
What Are Today's Connections Answers?
Spoiler alert! Don't scroll any further down the page until you're ready to find out today's Connections answers.
This is your final warning!
Today's Connections answers are...
I opened with a guess of DRAW, VEST, GRANT and CONFER. Those all seemed like vaguely financially related terms, but left me one away from a group. I then realized that DRAW went with the rest of the yellows after I clocked that SQUARE, TIE and EVEN made sense together.
After that, PRESENT made the most sense with the other words from my first guess. I had the greens at that point.
Seeing MARVEL and PAC-MAN together, I realized they had to be linked by Miss. or Ms. but it took me a moment to understand what made sense with them. DEGREE seemed obvious (as in a Master of Science DEGREE). But the fourth member of the group actually had me chuckling: MS PAINT, as in Microsoft Paint. That's pretty funny.
The blue connection then made sense to me before I submitted that final group.
No perfect game this time, but I've extended my streak to 161 wins. Here's my grid for today:
🟨🟩🟩🟩
🟨🟨🟨🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩
🟪🟪🟪🟪
🟦🟦🟦🟦
That's all there is to it for today's Connections clues and answers. I'll be back with you all here on Monday. In the meantime, you can check out my weekend editions of this column in my newsletter, Pastimes.
P.S. I went to a festival on Sunday primarily to see Olivia Rodrigo – who was terrific – and this band, The Beaches. I did enjoy a few of the other performers and had a fun time overall.
I've been a fan of The Beaches for a couple of years now, and this was my first time seeing them live. I thought they were great. Their best-known song is the ultra-catchy "Blame Brett," but my favorite of theirs is this one, "Edge of the Earth." I hope you enjoy it too:
Have a great day! Stay hydrated! Be kind to yourself and each other! Call someone you love!
Please follow my blog for more coverage of NYT Connections and other word games, and even some video game news, insights and analysis. It helps me out a lot! Sharing this column with other people who play Connections would be appreciated too. You can also read my weekend editions of this column at my new newsletter, Pastimes.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
25 minutes ago
- Yahoo
How to protect yourself from Vibrio vulnificus, the bacteria found in some coastal waters
Be Well-Vibrio Illnesses NEW YORK (AP) — States are warning beachgoers about a summertime surge in infections from a frightening, flesh-eating bacteria found in coastal waters. Vibrio vulnificus are becoming an annual threat along the Gulf Coast and — increasingly — up the Eastern Seaboard. People should listen to the warnings, said Bernie Stewart, a 65-year-old retired bounty hunter in Florida who counts himself lucky to have survived an infection. In August 2019, Stewart's right leg was infected while he was kayak fishing in Pensacola Bay. What at first appeared to be a sun blister led to three months in the hospital, where doctors performed 10 surgeries to remove decaying skin and prevent the bacteria from killing him. 'This ain't nothing to play with,' Stewart said. Vibrio bacteria thrive in seawater and in the mix of fresh and saltwater found in estuaries and lagoons. Most infections are reported from May to October, and most happen in states along the Gulf Coast. The Gulf's water is "the perfect convergence of the right amount of salt and the right amount of heat to let this organism proliferate,' said Dr. Fred Lopez, an infectious diseases specialist at the LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. At least a dozen kinds of Vibrio can cause human illnesses The nastiest type is Vibrio vulnificus. It accounts for around 200 of the more than 1,000 Vibrio illnesses each year, according to CDC data. As many as 1 in 5 of those infections are fatal — a much higher rate than other types of Vibrio bacteria. Some people become infected by eating eat raw or undercooked shellfish — particularly oysters. But a large percentage fall ill when the person is in ocean or brackish water and the bacteria enter the body through small breaks in the skin. The antibiotics used to treat food poisoning cases don't work as well when the germ enters through breaks in the skin, Lopez said. 'They may require multiple surgeries to remove dead or infected tissue, and sometimes require amputation,' he said. Doctors say severe cases are seen more often in elderly patients, people with weakened immune systems, and those with liver disease, diabetes and certain chronic illnesses. Cases are up in some places, but not all Louisiana has seen an alarming jump in cases this summer, but other states are not. More cases are expected, as this is peak season for Vibrio vulnificus infections. 'It is really easy to sound unnecessary alarms because cases have increased, or feel too complacent because cases are low,' when data is incomplete, said Salvador Almagro-Moreno, a St. Jude Children's Research Hospital who has studied the germ. Infections have been reported as far north as New England — Massachusetts recently issued an alert after someone reportedly was infected on Cape Cod. Scientists say climate change is helping the germs proliferate and spread northward. A 2023 study found that the northernmost case has been shifting by about 30 miles each year, and that cases overall have been rising. As of late last week, 20 cases of Vibrio vulnificus had been reported among Louisiana residents this year. All were hospitalized and four died, the state's health department said. That's more than twice the average number of cases for this point in the season, and four times the death toll, state officials said. Cases are not unusually higher in other Gulf States, however. Florida, which tends to have more infections than other states, has reported 17 Vibrio vulnificus cases and five deaths this year, compared with 82 cases and 19 deaths at the same point last year. State officials say they typically see more cases in years when Florida is hit by tropical storms, and hurricane season is only just beginning, Lopez noted. How to prevent infections Vibrio vulnificus can enter the body through unhealed cuts and scrapes, recent piercings and tattoos, and recent surgical incisions. If you have such a wound, try to stay out of saltwater or brackish water, and cover it with a waterproof bandage if there's a chance of exposure. If you do come in contact with coastal waters or raw seafood, immediately wash cuts and scrapes thoroughly with soap and clean running water, the CDC advises. And see a doctor if you start to develop symptoms such as fever, chills, and hot red areas on the skin that start to turn dark and blister. You can also become infected by eating seafood. Health officials say not to eat raw or undercooked oysters or other seafood, and do not let raw seafood, its drippings, or its juices contaminate other foods. Oysters are a particular risk, and there is no way to tell if an oyster is contaminated just by looking at it. Wash hands with soap and water after handing raw shellfish, and wear protective gloves if you have a weakened immune system and are at a higher risk of infection. Health officials also offer cooking instructions for clams, mussels and other shellfish. They recommend throwing away any with open shells before cooking. In Pensacola, Stewart said he's advocated — unsuccessfully — for local officials to post signs about the dangers of going into the bay. 'Not everyone's immune system is going to be strong,' he said. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Solve the daily Crossword


Forbes
28 minutes ago
- Forbes
Why Nonprofit Leaders Should Prioritize Self-Care
Turcois Ominek is the chief operations officer of FreedomOrg. At many nonprofits, leaders have to guide their teams as they do their part to address social issues—many of which are complex and emotionally challenging. Simultaneously, nonprofit leaders have to juggle various priorities, such as fundraising, building grassroots campaigns and working on effective storytelling. I don't find it surprising that burnout is common in the nonprofit world. Consider this finding from a 2024 study by the Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP): 'Burnout—for both nonprofit staff and leadership—remains a top concern for most nonprofit leaders, with half of nonprofit leaders feeling more concerned about their own burnout than this time last year.' I believe nonprofit leaders should prioritize self-care, and by doing so, they can help ward off burnout, maintain focus and clarity and model healthy behaviors for their teams. The Importance Of Self-Care Unfortunately, from my observations, some nonprofit leaders don't prioritize self-care due to various reasons, such as feeling guilty for taking time for themselves, not wanting to step away in light of resource constraints at their organizations and struggling to disconnect. But self-care, which the World Health Organization (WHO) defines as 'the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote and maintain their own health, prevent disease, and to cope with illness—with or without the support of a health or care worker,' is vital. It's not selfish. According to one study that focused on caregivers, 'self-care decreases stress, promotes coping, and improves mental health.' In my view, self-care should be a leadership imperative. If nonprofit leaders neglect themselves, they can become burned out and unable to properly support their teams and work toward advancing their organizations' missions. I learned the importance of self-care the hard way. I used to not prioritize self-care as a nonprofit leader because I thought there were others who were doing worse. I didn't feel comfortable practicing self-care when not everyone was able to. But the turning point for me was when I got sick with a Covid-like illness. It was one of those cases where I was sleep-deprived, my immune system was down and I fell ill. I had a conversation with my doctor, and she told me that getting enough sleep, eating healthily and managing my stress would help me. She also told me that if I wanted longevity, I had to reconsider some things. So, I started prioritizing my sleep, and my self-care journey started expanding from there. Key Ways Nonprofit Leaders Can Prioritize Practicing Self-Care Practicing self-care can take many forms, such as exercising, tapping into a creative outlet and meditating. Regardless of how nonprofit leaders choose to practice self-care, based on my experience, there are several ways they can prioritize doing so. First, I recommend setting boundaries. Nonprofit leaders should define their work hours and say 'no' when necessary. That way, they can carve out time for themselves to practice self-care. Additionally, nonprofit leaders should delegate tasks and empower their team members to handle them. In my view, if you can't trust the team you're working with, they're less likely to be able to trust themselves, meaning you'll have to work extra time to tackle their tasks on top of your own. It's also important to schedule regular breaks, be it setting aside 20 minutes each day for a walk, taking a few days off each quarter, etc. Scheduling regular breaks, I've found, helps you stick to a self-care routine. How Nonprofit Leaders Can Encourage Practicing Self-Care On Their Teams In addition to practicing self-care themselves, I believe nonprofit leaders should create organizational cultures where self-care is championed. Teams are integral to leaders' success. Practicing self-care will only get nonprofit leaders so far if their teams are burned out and stressed. There are different ways nonprofit leaders can encourage practicing self-care on their teams. For instance, they can make it easy for staff to access mental health resources, have open conversations about recognizing and managing burnout and make it easy for everyone to step away when they need to. An approach that's worked at my organization is that, outside of being off for the holidays, we also have a big shutdown for three or four weeks every year. This enables me, the rest of the leadership team and every team member to focus on non-work things and decompress. Why Nonprofit Leaders Should Talk About Self-Care With Their Peers Beyond building cultures where self-care is celebrated at their organizations, I also encourage nonprofit leaders to talk about self-care with their peers, fellow nonprofit leaders. Exchanging information can help nonprofit leaders discover new ways to help themselves and their teams navigate self-care. For instance, through a conversation, one nonprofit leader might learn that another has given their team members the option to sign up for art classes or a discounted gym membership. That information could inspire the leader to do the same. Additionally, by talking about self-care with their peers, nonprofit leaders can make it more widespread in the nonprofit world. When more nonprofit leaders and their teams recognize the value of self-care and practice it, I believe they can more effectively advance the causes they're working toward. Forbes Nonprofit Council is an invitation-only organization for chief executives in successful nonprofit organizations. Do I qualify?


Forbes
28 minutes ago
- Forbes
How To Set Boundaries In The Workplace Without Upsetting Your Boss
Ankur Bindal, MD, MPH, FAPA, FAASM, is a board-certified psychiatrist and the CEO, Founder and President of KAB Medical Group Inc. If there's one thing I've learned from my years as a psychiatrist and leader, it's that taking care of others starts with taking care of yourself. In the workplace, that begins with setting healthy boundaries. Whether you're in healthcare, corporate leadership or a startup hustle, I'm willing to bet you've found yourself in a situation where saying 'no' felt more stressful than just pushing through. The pressure to overperform, the fear of disappointing others and the worry of appearing uncommitted are real concerns for growth-minded professionals. But let me reassure you: Setting boundaries at work isn't selfish. It's essential. Why 'Boundaries' Is More Than A Buzzword Boundaries are the limits we set to communicate how we want to be treated and what we're willing—or not willing—to do. They're not about creating distance or being inflexible; they're about protecting your well-being and meeting your needs. You're more likely to feel irritable and dissatisfied when you routinely feel overworked, underappreciated and disrespected. Your relationships outside of work may begin to suffer. Eventually, burnout knocks at the door. Overcoming burnout isn't simple or easy, but boundaries can help you overcome the stress of burnout while preventing future episodes. Pop culture treats "boundaries" as a buzzword, but in a world rife with overwhelm, I've found that they're the best antidote to burnout. How To Set Balanced Work Boundaries Boundaries prevent burnout, but you don't want to say 'no' too much. After all, your boss might not appreciate it if you shirk work responsibilities because you're stressed. Fortunately, there are several ways to set respectful, professional boundaries that won't damage your work reputation or personal relationships. Start by getting clear on what you need. This makes protecting yourself from unrealistic demands and draining co-workers much easier. What makes you feel safe and supported at work? What makes you feel drained or overwhelmed? Next, identify your limits. These are your physical and emotional boundaries, like not checking email after 7 p.m. or requiring a meeting-free afternoon to complete your work. Writing these down brings clarity and gives you something tangible to revisit when you're unsure. Boundaries are a lifesaver for mental health, but they must make sense in your work environment. This is tricky to navigate because, on one hand, you need to make a positive change. On the other hand, setting boundaries that are out of line with cultural norms could put you in the hot seat. Step back and assess how well your boundaries work for your office. For example, if you're in a high-demand job like PR where late nights and weekends are the norm, refusing to answer midnight work calls might not make sense. Your boss and co-workers aren't mind-readers. After determining your healthy boundary, communicate it clearly. You don't need to over-explain or apologize. Say something like, 'I've found that I'm most productive when I take a full lunch break away from my desk. I'll be stepping away between 12 and 1 to recharge so I can be more focused in the afternoons.' Create systems that communicate these boundaries for you, too. That might mean making a recurring calendar appointment for your lunch break that prevents co-workers from scheduling lunchtime meetings. If you don't check email on the weekends, set up an auto-reply from Friday night to Sunday explaining that you'll answer when you're in the office on Monday. If you want others to respect your boundaries, you must lead by example. If checking email on the weekends drains you, don't do it. Show your co-workers (and yourself) that this is a serious boundary. Changing your behavior is the first step, but you also need to reinforce your boundaries with others. Tension may come up when setting boundaries, but that doesn't mean the relationship has to suffer. Stay constructive: Approach the conversation with problem-solving energy and keep your tone calm and respectful. If your boundaries are repeatedly crossed, it's okay to escalate the issue. That might mean having a deeper conversation with your boss, involving HR, or—if necessary—reconsidering whether this environment is right for you. Protect Your Passion With Better Boundaries Everyone wants to do a good job at work. We want to show up, contribute and feel proud of our accomplishments. But we lose that spark when we feel depleted. Boundaries set up some much-needed guardrails that help you stay engaged and sane at the office. Setting boundaries at work doesn't make you difficult. It makes you discerning. Over time, your colleagues and supervisors will appreciate your clarity, reliability and consistency, making boundaries a win for everyone. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?