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These are the hints and answers for the New York Times Connections puzzle published Wednesday, March 26, 2025—game #654. Work through the clues in order, then open the spoiler section for all four groups and the sixteen words.
How Connections #654 works
Connections presents 16 words that must be divided into four groups of four. The groups are color-coded yellow, green, blue and purple, with purple generally intended to be the hardest. Submitting an incorrect group costs a life; four mistakes end the game. Forbes describes the puzzle as a free daily New York Times game available on the NYT website and Games app, with a midnight release. It also says eligible All Access or Games subscribers can use the Connections archive. Those access details can change, so check the current NYT Games interface for the terms that apply to your account.
Progressive hints for March 26
Stop at any hint that gives you enough to finish. The complete solution appears below the spoiler warning.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →- Hint 1: Think about the objects you might need when setting a table for a meal.
- Hint 2: Pair four entries with up to form verbs describing something that increased.
- Hint 3: Look for different ways to save or store data electronically.
- Hint 4: Four words become units of volume when you remove one extra letter from each.
A useful warning about the board
PINOT and ROSE may suggest a wine category, but that connection is a trap. Forbes contributor Kris Holt reported initially considering that association before finding the table-setting group and the letter-added volume-unit pattern. The board is designed so that a plausible relationship can compete with the intended one; test whether a word fits a complete set of four before submitting.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Spoilers: the complete Connections #654 answers
Warning: The table below reveals every category and word.
| Category | Words | Why they fit |
|---|---|---|
| Parts of a table setting | FORK, GLASS, NAPKIN, PLATE | Each is a standard item used to set or serve a meal. |
| Increased, with “up” | FLEW, ROSE, SHOT, THRUST | “Flew up,” “rose up,” “shot up” and “thrust up” describe an increase or upward movement. |
| Kinds of digital storage | CARD, CLOUD, DISK, DRIVE | These refer to storage media or storage locations used with digital data. |
| Units of volume plus a letter | BOUNCE, GALLEON, PINOT, QUARTZ | Remove one letter to reveal ounce, gallon, pint and quart respectively: BOUNCE → OUNCE, GALLEON → GALLON, PINOT → PINT, QUARTZ → QUART. |
Why the purple group is tricky
The last set uses spelling rather than a straightforward meaning. Each answer resembles a familiar volume unit with one additional letter inserted: BOUNCE contains OUNCE, GALLEON contains GALLON, PINOT contains PINT and QUARTZ contains QUART. That construction also explains why PINOT can pull you toward the wrong wine-based grouping.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What to remember about this puzzle
- This guide refers specifically to Wednesday, March 26, 2025, puzzle #654—not the separate March 26, 2026 game.
- The board contains 16 entries arranged into four groups of four.
- Use the table-setting and “up” clues first, then check storage terms and finally the letter-added volume units.
- No published difficulty rating, solve rate or other numeric performance statistic is established for #654 in the dated answer guides.
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.
