NYT Connections puzzle #439 was published on Friday, August 23, 2024. Its sixteen words divide into visual-interface terms, burlesque accessories, beige shades and language homophones. Use the hints below for a spoiler-light solve, then open the answer section for the complete groups.
Words in Connections #439
The grid contained these sixteen words:
- TIE
- TAN
- FAN
- FAWN
- CHECK
- FINISH
- MONITOR
- BUFF
- BOA
- SCREEN
- CREAM
- BASK
- TERMINAL
- CORSET
- DISPLAY
- GLOVES
Progressive hints
Try each hint before moving to the next. The clues are arranged from the most accessible connection to the most oblique.
- Hint 1: Think of components or devices that help you view information.
- Hint 2: Look for items used in theatrical performances known for flair and style.
- Hint 3: Identify subtle variations of a neutral color.
- Hint 4: The remaining words are related to languages.
Spoiler: the Connections #439 answers
There are four groups of four words:
| Color | Category | Words | Why they fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow | VISUAL INTERFACE | DISPLAY, MONITOR, SCREEN, TERMINAL | Each can describe a screen, viewing device or computer interface used to present information. |
| Green | BURLESQUE WEAR | BOA, CORSET, FAN, GLOVES | These are costume or accessory items associated with burlesque performance. |
| Blue | BEIGE SHADES | BUFF, CREAM, FAWN, TAN | Each word names a beige, cream or tan color variation. |
| Purple | LANGUAGE HOMOPHONES | BASK, CHECK, FINISH, TIE | They sound like language names: Basque, Czech, Finnish and Thai, respectively. |
Why the purple group is the trickiest
The last four entries work through sound rather than meaning. BASK resembles Basque, CHECK resembles Czech, FINISH resembles Finnish and TIE resembles Thai. Reading them aloud can make the connection easier to spot.
Tips for solving this puzzle format
Expect misleading overlaps
Connections deliberately allows words to appear plausible in more than one group. For example, “screen,” “display” and “monitor” are strong technology clues, while color words can look like ordinary descriptive terms. Test whether a proposed category accounts for exactly four entries before submitting it.
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Shuffle when the board stalls
Rearranging the sixteen tiles can expose visual or word-pattern links that are hidden by the original layout. It does not change the words or the solution.
Protect your guesses
Four incorrect guesses end a round, so do not submit a category with only three certain members and a hopeful fourth. The game’s color bands generally run from yellow as the easiest to purple as the hardest, with green and blue in between, although individual difficulty varies.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where to play
This historical puzzle is available through NYT Games on desktop or mobile. Search for the August 23, 2024 game if the current daily board has advanced to a later puzzle.
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