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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Need help with Connections #653? This archived puzzle is from Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Start with the spoiler-light clues below, then reveal the category names and complete solution only if you need them.
Hints for Connections #653
Try grouping the words before revealing the answers. The clues below move from broad prompts to more direct nudges.
- Monochrome: Look for four things commonly associated with black and white.
- Letter jumble: Four entries contain exactly the same four letters in different orders.
- Head of state: These are familiar short names associated with U.S. presidents.
- Sayings, apparently: Each entry completes the phrase “clear as ___.”
Category names
- Yellow: BLACK-AND-WHITE THINGS
- Green: ANAGRAMS
- Blue: U.S. PRESIDENTIAL NICKNAMES
- Purple: CLEAR AS ___
Connections answers for March 25, 2025
Here is the complete solution for game #653:
| Color | Category | Words |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | BLACK-AND-WHITE THINGS | CROSSWORD, OREO, PANDA, TUXEDO |
| Green | ANAGRAMS | ABEL, ABLE, BALE, BELA |
| Blue | U.S. PRESIDENTIAL NICKNAMES | ABE, CAL, DICK, TEDDY |
| Purple | CLEAR AS ___ | A BELL, CRYSTAL, DAY, MUD |
Why the groups fit
Yellow: BLACK-AND-WHITE THINGS
A crossword grid is conventionally shown in black and white, while pandas and tuxedos are recognizable black-and-white associations. OREO fits the intended visual association through its contrasting dark cookie and white filling; it is not a defining property of every cookie in that category.
Green: ANAGRAMS
ABEL, ABLE, BALE, and BELA each use A, B, E, and L once, rearranged into a different order.
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#1 Best Overall
Blue: U.S. PRESIDENTIAL NICKNAMES
The puzzle groups ABE, CAL, DICK, and TEDDY as presidential nicknames. Read them as the intended set rather than as a general rule that every president has a commonly used nickname of this form.
Purple: CLEAR AS ___
The words complete four expressions: “clear as a bell,” “clear as crystal,” “clear as day,” and “clear as mud.” The last phrase is the deliberately counterintuitive one: “clear as mud” means unclear.
Rank #2
The full 16-word board
The board contained BALE, CRYSTAL, PANDA, MUD, TEDDY, TUXEDO, ABLE, DAY, ABEL, CAL, A BELL, OREO, ABE, CROSSWORD, BELA, and DICK.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.About this archived puzzle
This answer set is identified as the New York Times Connections puzzle for Tuesday, March 25, 2025, game #653. TechRadar’s guide and the guides from Parade and Yahoo report the same solution. The puzzle appeared on NYT Games; this page gives the archived answer, not current access or pricing information.
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