NYT Connections puzzle #896, published Sunday, November 23, 2025, groups EASY, LAX, LOOSE and SLACK under LENIENT. The full answer key and a clue-by-clue explanation follow.
Spoiler warning: The complete solution is below.
Connections #896 answers
| Color | Category | Tiles |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | LENIENT | EASY, LAX, LOOSE, SLACK |
| Green | ANIMAL HOMES | BURROW, DEN, LODGE, WARREN |
| Blue | OLIVER STONE MOVIES | JFK, NIXON, PLATOON, WALL STREET |
| Purple | SECOND WORDS IN TITLES OF ABBA HITS | GIMME, MIA, QUEEN, TROUPER |
The category labels and tile sets are reported in both the Parade answer guide and the TechRadar answer guide.
How to solve the grid
Yellow: LENIENT
EASY, LAX, LOOSE and SLACK can each describe a rule, standard or approach that is not strict. This is the most direct vocabulary-based group.
Green: ANIMAL HOMES
A BURROW, DEN, LODGE and WARREN are all places where animals live. The word “lodge” can have other meanings, but the habitat connection fits this set.
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Blue: OLIVER STONE MOVIES
JFK, NIXON, PLATOON and WALL STREET are film titles directed by Oliver Stone. JFK and NIXON may initially suggest a political grouping, but the four titles share a director.
Purple: SECOND WORDS IN TITLES OF ABBA HITS
GIMME comes from “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!”, MIA from “Mamma Mia,” QUEEN from “Dancing Queen,” and TROUPER from “Super Trouper.” The connection depends on recognizing the second word in each ABBA hit title.
A tempting false connection
JFK, LAX, MIA and DEN can look like a group of airport codes. That combination does not solve the puzzle: those tiles belong to separate categories. TechRadar’s guide describes this as a possible solving trap, rather than a guaranteed misdirection for every player.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Puzzle details
This is the answer for game #896, published Sunday, November 23, 2025—not a current daily board. The explanation moves from a straightforward synonym set and animal habitats to film and music-title trivia. The category labels and answers are corroborated by the Parade guide and TechRadar guide.
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