A Connections grouping can make sense and still be wrong: the four words may share a real association, but not the puzzle’s intended rule. Before submitting, define one precise rule that fits all four tiles, check for competing meanings, and make sure the other 12 tiles can still form three groups of four. If the game says “one away,” treat it as feedback about your submitted selection—not confirmation of your category theory.
Why a plausible Connections group can be wrong
Connections asks players to divide 16 terms into four groups of four. The challenge is not just finding words that are related; each proposed set must fit a common rule, and the full board must resolve into four complete sets.
Words can have multiple meanings or associations. That creates tempting partial patterns: three tiles may seem to belong together, or four may share a broad connection, while one of those tiles is needed for another group. A 2025 paper analyzing Connections describes this as a puzzle structure that can mislead quick, intuitive grouping and reward more deliberate reasoning. That is the authors’ analysis, not a verified official NYT explanation of the game’s design.
The paper’s example makes the distinction clear. “Normal,” “Standard,” and “Benchmark” may suggest a “Status Quo” grouping. But “Normal” belongs with “Dry,” “Combination,” and “Oily” under “Skin Types.” The first association is understandable; it does not produce the intended four-word set or preserve the rest of the board.
#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.
How to check a grouping before you submit
- Read all 16 tiles first. A word that looks like a fit may have a stronger role elsewhere on the board.
- State the category as a narrow rule. Avoid a label such as “things associated with each other.” Say exactly what all four words have in common, then verify that each fits the same rule.
- Look for alternate readings. Check whether a tile could fit another category through a second meaning, a familiar phrase, or wordplay.
- Test the remainder. Imagine removing your four candidates. Can the other 12 still form three coherent groups of four? If not, reconsider whether your group has taken a tile another set needs.
- Submit the group you trust most. Clearing a strong set can make the remaining ambiguous relationships easier to see. There is no required solving order.
These are practical checks, not an official NYT strategy prescription. The goal is to test the proposed grouping against the whole board rather than against one appealing association in isolation.
What “one away” means
Connections+ describes “one away” as feedback that three of the four submitted words are correct. It tells you something about the selection, but it does not explain the category or prove that the three words you suspect are the correct trio.
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.
Keep the likely three together and test a different fourth tile against the full board. Changing several tiles at once makes the feedback harder to interpret. If ordinary definitions do not resolve the set, try phrase completions, multiple meanings, and wordplay; Connections+ recommends leaving the most twist-heavy group until other groups are clearer. These mechanics and tactics are described by a third-party guide, not a verified NYT rules page.
A dated example of overlapping associations
In its September 30, 2026 solution for Connections puzzle #1207, TechRadar listed the categories “SECURITIES,” “THINGS THAT ARE SHAKEN (NOT STIRRED),” “GANGSTER MOVIES,” and “STARTING WITH MONTH ABBREVIATIONS.” BOND, OCTOPUSSY, and MARTINI suggested a James Bond connection, but the tiles belonged to different answer groups. MARTINI also looked like a possible fit for the month-abbreviation group because of “Mar”; SEPTUM was the intended tile.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteRank #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.
This one board illustrates why a local connection is not enough: check that each proposed tile fits the same four-word rule, then see whether the remaining tiles still make sense as complete groups. It is an example from a specific puzzle, not evidence that this kind of overlap occurs at a particular rate.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the puzzle data can—and cannot—tell you
The 2025 paper reports a collection of 358 puzzles, compiled from an archive of daily offerings running from the game’s June 12, 2023 debut through June 3, 2024. That number describes the paper’s dataset; it is not a current count of all NYT Connections puzzles.
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
The NYT game page’s detailed rules and any official explanation of the puzzle’s ambiguity are not established here. For the mechanics above, Connections+ is a third-party reference and says it is not affiliated with The New York Times. The paper supports the analysis of misleading associations, while TechRadar’s dated solution supports the specific #1207 example.
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.
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.
