These clues and answers are for NYT Connections puzzle #840, dated Sunday, September 28, 2025. Start with the hints below if you want a nudge; the complete word groups are farther down, after a spoiler warning.
Hints for Connections #840
Try these four clues before looking at the categories or answers:
- Support
- Be careful on your computer
- Blow a bubble
- Are you ready for some football?
Category clues
Need a little more help? These clues point to the four connections without revealing the words:
- Something that backs or protects
- Types of harmful computer software
- Brands you might find in a gum aisle
- Visual symbols associated with NFL teams
Full answers for Connections #840
Spoiler warning: The complete groups and their words are below.
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#1 Best Overall
| Color | Category | Words |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | BACKING | AEGIS, GUARD, PROTECTION, SHIELD |
| Green | MALICIOUS SOFTWARE | BACKDOOR, TROJAN HORSE, VIRUS, WORM |
| Blue | GUM BRANDS | EXTRA, ICE BREAKERS, ORBIT, TRIDENT |
| Purple | N.F.L. TEAM LOGOS | BUFFALO, FLEUR-DE-LIS, HORSESHOE, LIGHTNING BOLT |
How the four groups connect
Yellow: backing
Aegis, guard, protection, and shield all refer to support or defense.
Green: malicious software
Backdoor, Trojan horse, virus, and worm are terms for kinds of malicious software.
Blue: gum brands
Extra, Ice Breakers, Orbit, and Trident are names of chewing-gum brands.
Purple: NFL team logos
Buffalo, fleur-de-lis, horseshoe, and lightning bolt refer to visual symbols used in NFL team logos. The group relies on familiarity with U.S. football imagery as well as the word associations.
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How Connections works
Connections gives players 16 words to sort into four groups of four, with each group sharing a connection. Select four words and submit them as a group. Try Hard Guides says players can make up to four mistakes; the game is playable online through NYT Games.
Quick Recap
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