This is the New York Times Connections puzzle published Thursday, June 20, 2024: game #375. Start with the graduated hints below if you want to keep solving; the complete word groups appear after a clearly marked spoiler break.
Gentle hints for Connections #375
There are 16 words to sort into four groups of four. Each hint reveals a little more without giving away the full sets immediately.
- One group consists of common items used to fasten or secure things.
- Another group contains equipment associated with catching fish.
- Think about the furniture and equipment you might find in a place where people get their hair done.
- For the final group, look for four words that can each follow the same word to form a familiar phrase.
Stronger hints
- The hardware group includes three fasteners and one item used with a bolt.
- The fishing group includes a lure, a hook, a line, and a weighted item.
- The salon group includes a seat, a mirror, a basin, and a machine used to dry hair.
- The phrase-completion group starts with the word “lightning.”
Spoilers: the full word list and answers
Stop here if you still want to solve the puzzle yourself. The 16 words are FLY, NAIL, SINK, SINKER, WASHER, DRYER, BUG, SCREW, MIRROR, BOLT, LINE, CHAIR, HOOK, STRIKE, NUT, and ROD.
| Category | Words | Why they fit |
|---|---|---|
| BITS OF HARDWARE | NAIL, NUT, SCREW, WASHER | Each is a common hardware item. |
| FISHING GEAR | FLY, HOOK, LINE, SINKER | Each is used in fishing. |
| HAIR SALON FIXTURES | CHAIR, DRYER, MIRROR, SINK | Each is equipment or a fixture found in a hair salon. |
| LIGHTNING ___ | BOLT, BUG, ROD, STRIKE | Each completes the phrase “lightning bolt,” “lightning bug,” “lightning rod,” or “lightning strike.” |
Why the groups can be tricky
Several entries invite more than one association: a sink might suggest a household fixture, while a bolt might suggest hardware. The New York Times Help Center explains the design: “Each puzzle has exactly one solution and is meant to be tricky by having words that could fit into multiple categories.” See the official Connections help page for game and archive information.
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Where to play and find the archive
The New York Times says Connections is available through NYT Games on the web and in designated apps, and that archived puzzles are subscriber-accessible. Access details may change; consult the NYT Help Center for its current guidance.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
Sources for this puzzle
- TechRadar’s June 20, 2024 (#375) hints and answers, which lists the word bank, categories, and solutions.
- WordHint’s June 20, 2024 archive entry, which independently records the date and word list.
- The New York Times Help Center, for the game’s rules and access guidance.
- Connections++! archive, which lists game #375 on June 20, 2024.
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