Need a nudge for NYT Connections #353? Start by looking for words that can complete familiar phrases, not just words that share a general meaning. The puzzle appeared Wednesday, May 29, 2024; the May 29, 2025 puzzle was #718, so the number confirms which date this guide covers.
Hints for Connections #353
Connections asks you to sort 16 words into four groups of four that share something in common. Some words can plausibly fit more than one category, which is why a tempting match is not always the intended one. The New York Times Help Center describes the game’s format.
First nudge
One group consists of words meaning food. Another is about guiding or directing something. For the remaining groups, consider both words related to frightening or pressuring someone and words that can come before “market.”
Category labels
- Food
- Guide or direct
- Intimidate
- ___ market
Watch for the overlap
BULL, COW, MEAT, and STEER may pull your attention toward animals or intimidation. But BULL and MEAT also fit the phrase-completion group, “___ market.” A player discussion points out this kind of tempting overlap; it is a solving observation, not an official difficulty rating.
#1 Best Overall
Connections #353 answers
Spoilers below: the complete May 29, 2024 solution follows.
| Category | Words |
|---|---|
| FOOD | CHOW, EATS, FARE, GRUB |
| PILOT | DIRECT, GUIDE, LEAD, STEER |
| INTIMIDATE | BULLY, COW, DAUNT, RATTLE |
| ___ MARKET | BULL, FLEA, MEAT, STOCK |
Why “___ market” is easy to miss
The first three groups are based on related meanings: food, leading, and intimidating. The last works differently: each word completes a familiar phrase. BULL, FLEA, MEAT, and STOCK all precede “market,” so the category is about phrase completion rather than a shared literal meaning.
That distinction helps explain the misleading cluster. STEER belongs with DIRECT, GUIDE, and LEAD as a verb meaning to guide; COW belongs with BULLY, DAUNT, and RATTLE as a verb meaning to intimidate. BULL and MEAT, despite their associations with animals or food, belong in the phrase group.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
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.
