NYT Connections hints, July 21: Challenging clues, nostalgic twists and answers revealed for puzzle #771

Time of India

4 days ago

Word puzzle enthusiasts were in for a mental workout on Monday as the New York Times released its latest edition of the popular daily game,
Connections
, with puzzle #771. The game, which has amassed a dedicated following since its launch, continues to test the vocabulary, logic, and association skills of players around the world. For July 21, 2025, the puzzle introduced an eclectic mix of clues that ranged from scientific concepts to pop culture references, providing something for every kind of solver.
As millions logged on to decipher the day's offerings, a mix of confusion and excitement unfolded on social media, particularly among fans of the long-running sitcom
Seinfeld
. With layers of difficulty segmented across four categories, today's puzzle reflected the NYT's ongoing commitment to blending education with entertainment.
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What Is NYT Connections? A Puzzle That Rewards Association
Launched in the wake of
Wordle
's viral success,
NYT Connections
is a browser-based word association game that invites players to group 16 seemingly unrelated words into four distinct categories. Each category, color-coded by difficulty, tests a different layer of a player's ability to perceive meaning beyond the literal.
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The categories are:
Yellow – The easiest group, often representing straightforward definitions or word functions.
Green – Slightly trickier, leaning towards science, history, or general knowledge.
Blue – Often tied to cultural, artistic, or entertainment-based themes.
Purple – The hardest level, typically involving abstract or linguistic twists.
The game limits participants to just four attempts, requiring careful reasoning before any guesses are submitted.
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Struggling With Today's Puzzle? Here Are the NYT Connections Hints
For those seeking guidance without spoiling the fun, light hints were made available, offering clues for each of the categories featured in Puzzle #771, as per a report by Beebom:
Yellow Category Hint: Think of bonuses or fringe benefits — something 'extra' that's not essential, but nice to have.
Green Category Hint: Processes you might recall from middle school science — specifically, changes in the state of liquids.
Blue Category Hint: Devoted fans of the 1990s sitcom
Seinfeld
will have a significant advantage here.
Purple Category Hint: This one plays with punctuation — specifically, interpretations of the apostrophe.
These pointers helped many players make headway into otherwise baffling groups of words.
NYT Connections Categories for July 21 Puzzle Explained
For Monday's puzzle, the categories and their correct groupings, as per the Beebom report are as follows:
ADDITIONAL PERK (Yellow):
BONUS
,
EXTRA
,
GRAVY
,
ICING
These terms all suggest some kind of added benefit or unexpected plus, often used metaphorically to mean 'more than expected.'
PHASE TRANSITIONS FOR LIQUIDS (Green):
CONDENSATION
,
FREEZING
,
MELTING
,
VAPORIZATION
Basic science knowledge helped players quickly slot these into the same group — each being a form of matter transition involving liquids.
CONCEPTS FROM 'SEINFELD' (Blue):
FESTIVUS
,
REGIFTING
,
SHRINKAGE
,
YADA YADA
Popularized by the legendary sitcom, these terms are immediately recognizable to fans. 'Festivus' and 'Yada Yada' have become pop culture shorthand for humor-laced social commentary.
WHAT ' CAN INDICATE (Purple):
CONTRACTION
,
FOOT
,
POSSESSIVE
,
QUOTE
A linguistically challenging set, this category revolved around the apostrophe's multiple grammatical roles — from showing possession to shortening words.
Best Strategies for Tackling NYT Connections
Veterans of the game continue to advocate for a systematic approach, combining logic with intuition. Tips shared by frequent solvers include:
Avoid Rush Guesses: With only four chances, haste often leads to wasted attempts.
Use the Shuffle Feature: Rearranging the word tiles can reveal overlooked groupings.
Start With the Obvious: Players are advised to begin with the clearest group — often the Yellow or Green — to build momentum.
Think Laterally: Words often connect beyond surface meanings; idioms, puns, and metaphors are common traps and clues alike.
Puzzle #771 Blends Nostalgia With Knowledge
As the popularity of the
NYT Connections
game continues to grow, so does its cultural relevance. By incorporating pop culture, science, and language all in one grid, the game presents a unique form of daily engagement. Puzzle #771 on July 21, 2025, stood out for its fun yet educational twist, delighting
Seinfeld
lovers, challenging grammar aficionados, and entertaining logic puzzle fans.
FAQs
How many chances do players get in NYT Connections?
Players are allowed four incorrect guesses before the puzzle locks. Careful deduction and strategy are crucial.
Is NYT Connections available for free?
Yes, the game is free to play on the
New York Times
website and app, much like its sibling game, Wordle.