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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Need a nudge on Connections #442? This guide moves from spoiler-light hints to the four category names and, at the end, the complete answer key. It covers the puzzle dated August 26, 2024; the date and puzzle number are paired in TechRadar’s dated guide.
How NYT Connections works
The New York Times Help Center explains the objective: “Players are given 16 words and must find groups of four items that share something in common.” Each group has a color: yellow is easiest and purple is trickiest. There is one intended solution, but words may appear to fit more than one category, so look for a complete four-word pattern before submitting a group. NYT Help Center: Connections
Hints for Connections #442
Try these in order. The first clue for each group is broad; the later clues narrow the idea without giving away the full sets.
- Yellow: Think of assent from someone with authority. TechRadar’s hint is “Management assent.”
- Green: Look for objects with the shape of a doughnut. TechRadar’s hint is “Donut shape.”
- Blue: These are inaccurate shots in a particular sport. TechRadar’s hint is “Wayward hit.”
- Purple: Each answer is footwear after removing an “ER” sound. TechRadar’s hint is “Wear them on your feet, but there’s something missing.”
These are hints from the dated TechRadar guide, not official NYT category wording. Its answer key is for August 26, 2024, puzzle #442.
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Category names
Ready for the group labels? The four categories, from yellow to purple, are:
- Official sanctioning
- Torus-shaped things
- Bad golf shots
- Footwear minus “ER” sound
Full answers for August 26, 2024
Spoilers below: the complete word bank and groupings follow.
| Color | Category | Four words |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | Official sanctioning | APPROVAL, BLESSING, CONSENT, SUPPORT |
| Green | Torus-shaped things | BAGEL, LIFESAVER, TIRE, WREATH |
| Blue | Bad golf shots | HOOK, SHANK, SLICE, WHIFF |
| Purple | Footwear minus “ER” sound | LOAF, SLIP, SNEAK, WADE |
The full 16-word bank is SLICE, SNEAK, TIRE, SUPPORT, BAGEL, SLIP, LOAF, WHIFF, BLESSING, WADE, LIFESAVER, CONSENT, WREATH, HOOK, APPROVAL, and SHANK. The groupings above are reproduced from TechRadar’s August 26, 2024 guide; the NYT Help Center describes the rules, not this historical answer key.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When the puzzle becomes available
Connections releases daily at midnight in the player’s timezone, so local calendar dates can differ. The NYT Help Center says the game is free without registration and can be played on the NYT Games website and its listed platforms. Its archive goes back to June 12, 2023 and is available to All Access and Games subscribers; archived play affects statistics but not daily streaks. See the NYT Help Center for access details.
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