There’s a mismatch in the date and puzzle number in this query: the archive identifies December 29, 2024, as Connections #567, while #569 was published on December 31, 2024. If you’re looking for the December 29 puzzle, use the first set of clues below; if you meant #569, jump to its separate hints and answers.
How to solve Connections #567 for December 29
Connections asks you to sort 16 terms into four groups of four based on a shared connection. Categories can hinge on wordplay, and plausible-looking groupings can be red herrings. Try the clues in order to limit spoilers.
One clue for each group
- One group consists of shades in the red family.
- Think of details you might specify when arranging an appointment.
- These words can describe different amounts of hair.
- Each word sounds like a kind of tree.
Stronger hints
- The red shades include a building material, a fruit, and two color names.
- An appointment can have a date, duration, location, and time.
- The hair terms range from a whole head to a small, thin amount.
- Say each word aloud and think of a tree with a similar-sounding name.
Full answers for #567
- SHADES OF RED: Brick, Cherry, Maroon, Ruby.
- APPOINTMENT SPECIFICATIONS: Date, Duration, Location, Time.
- DIFFERENT AMOUNTS OF HAIR: Head, Lock, Strand, Wisp.
- TREE HOMOPHONES: Beach, Fur, Pair, You.
If you meant Connections #569 on December 31
The archive assigns #569 to December 31, 2024—not December 29. These clues and answers belong to that later puzzle.
Quick Recap
Rank #2
#1 Best Overall
One clue for each group
- Each word can mean to move fast.
- These words can describe an enjoyable experience.
- Each can appear before the name of an addressee in a message.
- Complete the same word after each item.
Stronger hints
- Think of four ways to hurry.
- One group includes words for a lively event, an exciting experience, or an enjoyable activity.
- The words can introduce or direct a written message.
- Each word can precede “show.”
Full answers for #569
- MOVE QUICKLY: Bolt, Dart, Dash, Fly.
- FUN TIME: Ball, Blast, Kick, Thrill.
- WORDS BEFORE AN ADDRESSEE: Attention, Dear, For, To.
- NAME ___: Brand, Drop, Game, Names.
How to approach the puzzle without spoilers
- Scan all 16 words and note connections that seem obvious, but don’t lock in a group immediately.
- Look for alternate meanings and sound-based links, such as homophones, as well as familiar phrases.
- Use the clues from broad to specific, then check that each proposed group has exactly four terms and a clear shared category.
- Reveal the answers only after you have made your own grouping attempt.
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