NYT Connections Hints December 20: Clues and Answers for Puzzle #923

NYT Connections hints December 20 are now available for puzzle #923, released on December 20, 2025. The daily word game from The New York Times challenged players with categories tied to containers, laundry, classic bands, and familiar phrases.

The puzzle followed the standard Connections format of four groups of four words. Players were allowed up to four mistakes while sorting all 16 words correctly.

NYT Connections Hints December 20 Puzzle Breakdown

According to The New York Times Games editors, puzzle #923 leaned on word association rather than obscure vocabulary. The difficulty came from overlapping meanings and familiar words used in unexpected ways.

Players quickly identified practical themes like containers and laundry. Others needed more time to spot the music reference and the shared phrase structure in the final group.

The hints released for December 20 guided players toward broad concepts without revealing the answers outright. This approach aligns with the NYT Games philosophy of helping without spoiling.

Here are the official category hints used for puzzle #923.

• Yellow group hint: Types of trash bins
• Green group hint: Treatments for clothing
• Blue group hint: Names of classic music groups
• Purple group hint: Phrases that share the same first word

One sample word from each category was also provided to help players narrow their choices.

• Yellow sample word: Bucket
• Green sample word: Dry
• Blue sample word: Cure
• Purple sample word: Salt

This combination led many players to solve the puzzle methodically. Others reported that the purple group caused the most confusion.

NYT Connections Answers for December 20 Puzzle #923

The confirmed answers for NYT Connections puzzle #923 were published on December 20. Each group was built around a clear theme once all four words were revealed.

The yellow category focused on everyday containers.

• Bucket
• Can
• Drum
• Tin

The green category grouped common laundry services.

• Dry
• Fold
• Press
• Wash

The blue category highlighted British bands formed in the 1970s that include “The” in their names.

• The Clash
• The Cure
• The Damned
• The Fall

The purple category completed the puzzle with phrases that begin with the word “Rock.”

• Rock Bottom
• Rock Lobster
• Rock Music
• Rock Salt

This final group required players to think beyond single-word meanings. Many successful solvers reported leaving it for last.

Why Puzzle #923 Stood Out for Players

NYT Connections puzzle #923 stood out due to its balance. It combined practical language with pop culture knowledge.

The music category rewarded players familiar with British rock history. The phrase-based group tested pattern recognition rather than trivia.

Puzzle editors at The New York Times have emphasized variety since the game launched in June 2023. December 20’s puzzle reflected that goal.

Connections continues to grow alongside Wordle and other NYT Games offerings. Its daily release schedule has made it a routine challenge for many readers.

NYT Connections hints December 20 helped guide players through a well-balanced puzzle. Puzzle #923 delivered a mix of logic, culture, and wordplay that kept the game engaging until the final square.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What was the NYT Connections puzzle number on December 20?

The NYT Connections puzzle released on December 20, 2025, was puzzle #923. Each daily puzzle is numbered sequentially.

Q2: What was the hardest category in Connections #923?

Many players found the purple category most challenging. It required identifying phrases that all begin with the word “Rock.”

Q3: When was NYT Connections first launched?

NYT Connections launched in June 2023. It quickly became one of the most played daily games from The New York Times.

Q4: How many mistakes are allowed in NYT Connections?

Players are allowed up to four mistakes. A fifth incorrect grouping ends the game.

Q5: Where can players find official NYT Connections hints?

Official hints and explanations are published by The New York Times Games team and covered by major outlets like CNET.