This is the NYT Connections puzzle published on Saturday, December 6, 2025—not the current daily puzzle. Use the hints in order and stop before the answer section if you want to solve it yourself.
Hints for Connections #909
The 16 words are MODERATE, MONITORSHIP, AVERAGE, CAR, NEWTON, INCREDIBLE, MEAN, TEMPER, STANDARD, TOADY, COOL, MINION, SETTLE, ADDERALL, MONSTER and PAR.
- Broad nudge: One group points to what is usual; another is about easing intensity. The remaining two depend on titles and word beginnings.
- Yellow clue: Think of a norm or benchmark.
- Green clue: These words can mean calming or reducing intensity.
- Blue clue: Look for words tied to the names of animated film franchises.
- Purple clue: Find reptile or amphibian names at the starts of longer words.
Connections answers for December 6
| Color | Category | Words |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | Norm | AVERAGE, MEAN, PAR, STANDARD |
| Green | Mollify | COOL, MODERATE, SETTLE, TEMPER |
| Blue | Member of a titular group in an animation franchise | CAR, INCREDIBLE, MINION, MONSTER |
| Purple | Starting with herpetofauna | ADDERALL, MONITORSHIP, NEWTON, TOADY |
How the groups fit together
Yellow: Norm
AVERAGE and MEAN can both refer to a typical value. PAR and STANDARD also describe an accepted level or benchmark, completing the set.
Green: Mollify
COOL, MODERATE, SETTLE and TEMPER can all describe calming or reducing intensity. COOL and TEMPER may initially suggest temperature, but their broader senses fit the calming group.
#1 Best Overall
Blue: Member of a titular group in an animation franchise
Each word points to the title of an animated franchise: CAR to Cars, INCREDIBLE to The Incredibles, MINION to Minions and MONSTER to Monsters, Inc.
Purple: Starting with herpetofauna
Herpetofauna refers to reptiles and amphibians. The beginnings of the words contain ADDER, MONITOR, NEWT and TOAD: ADDERALL, MONITORSHIP, NEWTON and TOADY. As Paul Tassi of Forbes puts it, “You need to carve off the first chunk of the word to find Adder, Monitor, Newt and Toad.”
Quick Recap
Best Value
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.
