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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Spoilers for NYT Connections #613: The February 13, 2025 puzzle groups its 16 words into TEMPLATE, DEMONSTRATION AS OF APPRECIATION, MODAL VERBS and __ TRIP. If you are still solving, use the hints below in order; the complete groups and answers follow.
Progressive hints for Connections #613
Connections uses 16 words and asks you to find four groups of four. These clues become more specific as you go, so stop as soon as you see a likely set.
Yellow hint
Look for words meaning a pattern, example or structure to follow.
Green hint
These words can represent a demonstration of appreciation.
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Blue hint
Find four words that express possibility, necessity or intention in a sentence.
Purple hint
Add a word that rhymes with “hip” after each answer to make a familiar phrase.
The full Connections #613 board
The 16 words were:
GUILT, MIGHT, MOLD, EGO, POWER, EXPRESSION, TOKEN, MUST, HEAD, GUIDE, GESTURE, CAN, MODEL, SYMBOL, BLUEPRINT, WILL.
Connections #613 answers
| Color | Category | Words | How the group works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow | TEMPLATE | BLUEPRINT, GUIDE, MODEL, MOLD | Each can describe a pattern, plan or example used to make or shape something. |
| Green | DEMONSTRATION AS OF APPRECIATION | EXPRESSION, GESTURE, SYMBOL, TOKEN | Each can be a form or sign used to show appreciation. |
| Blue | MODAL VERBS | CAN, MIGHT, MUST, WILL | These auxiliary verbs convey ability, possibility, obligation or future intention. |
| Purple | __ TRIP | EGO, GUILT, HEAD, POWER | Each word precedes “trip”: ego trip, guilt trip, head trip and power trip. |
Why the puzzle is tricky
Modal verbs versus ordinary meanings
CAN, MIGHT, MUST and WILL form the blue group when read as grammar. Several also have everyday meanings, which can make them look like they belong with nouns or abstract concepts. Read them as helping verbs before committing to another category.
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Compound phrases in the purple group
The purple set depends on adding the same missing word rather than finding synonyms. EGO TRIP, GUILT TRIP, HEAD TRIP and POWER TRIP are the intended compounds. This is the group most likely to remain hidden until the other overlaps are removed.
Near-synonyms in the yellow group
BLUEPRINT, GUIDE, MODEL and MOLD all suggest something that provides a pattern or example. Their meanings are related but not identical, which is typical of a yellow category built around a broad concept.
Signs of appreciation
EXPRESSION, GESTURE, SYMBOL and TOKEN can each communicate thanks or regard. The category is about ways appreciation is demonstrated, not about four synonyms for the word “thanks.”
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to play this archived puzzle
- Open NYT Games on desktop or mobile and select Connections.
- For the February 13, 2025 archive entry, study all 16 words before making a selection.
- Tap or click four words that share a category, then submit the group.
- Use the progressive hints above only when an overlap blocks progress; you have limited incorrect guesses, so avoid submitting a speculative set.
A new Connections puzzle appears at midnight for your local time zone. This entry is specifically game #613, dated February 13, 2025, rather than the puzzle published on the following calendar day in another time zone.
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Difficulty and solving takeaway
Connections Companion rated this puzzle 3 out of 5 for difficulty, described as moderate. The central solving lesson is to test both grammatical roles and familiar compounds: the four modal verbs provide a clean blue group, while the remaining words reveal the appreciation, template and “trip” categories.
Quick Recap
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