NYT Connections Hints November 17: Today’s #890 Answers and Full Breakdown

Today’s NYT Connections puzzle for November 17 brings a tricky mix of wordplay, hidden meanings, and a tough purple group. Many players struggled with the final category. The main keyword “NYT Connections hints November 17” appears across today’s guide to help readers understand every group in the #890 puzzle.

The puzzle includes direct categories like “you bet” and “forbidden,” but the purple group stands out for its word-within-a-word structure. Fans of the game, as seen across CNET’s coverage, appreciate the puzzle’s growing complexity. Today’s solution reflects that trend.

Today’s NYT Connections Hints November 17: Full Group Breakdown

The November 17 (#890) puzzle offers four distinct categories. Each set tests different forms of recognition—synonyms, idioms, sports terminology, and hidden expressions. Outlets such as CNET noted that the puzzle includes a challenging purple group where words hide another word inside. Players often look for hints when this type appears because it is easy to overthink.

The yellow group focuses on expressions of agreement. These phrases are common in casual conversation. The green group uses words for things that are prohibited, a theme often seen in past puzzles. The blue group highlights well-known basketball shot types. This group is straightforward for sports fans.

The purple group is the most complex. Each answer begins with a synonym for “scram.” Identifying this pattern helps solve the puzzle quickly. Many players miss the theme if they focus on the full word instead of spotting the embedded term.

Here are the confirmed group themes and solutions:

Yellow Group – “You bet”: absolutely, of course, okey-doke, sure thing.

Green Group – Forbidden: off-limits, proscribed, taboo, verboten.

Blue Group – Basketball shots: alley-oop, fadeaway, finger roll, slam dunk.

Purple Group – Starting with synonyms for “scram!”: go-getter, leavening, Scattergories, shoo-in.

This layout reflects today’s NYT Connections hints for November 17 and offers a clear guide for players who want help without spoilers before seeing each group.

How Today’s Puzzle Fits Into the Wider Trend

Today’s puzzle continues a trend where the NYT Games team leans toward wordplay, hidden segments, and tricky thematic links. Many players enjoy this format because it rewards attention to detail. These puzzles also spark conversation on social platforms and gaming forums.

NYT Connections has become one of the most shared daily puzzles online. That momentum grows when categories feel fresh or unusual. November 17’s puzzle fits that pattern, especially with the purple set. This keeps the game exciting for returning players and newcomers.

In summary, the NYT Connections hints for November 17 highlight a puzzle that balances straightforward categories with advanced wordplay. Today’s answers offer a good challenge and an enjoyable mix of vocabulary and logic.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What are the NYT Connections hints for November 17?

The hints focus on agreement phrases, forbidden items, basketball shots, and words that begin with synonyms for “scram.” Each group provides a different challenge.

Q2: What are the answers to today’s NYT Connections #890?

The answers are absolutely, of course, okey-doke, sure thing; off-limits, proscribed, taboo, verboten; alley-oop, fadeaway, finger roll, slam dunk; go-getter, leavening, Scattergories, shoo-in.

Q3: Why was the purple group harder today?

It hides smaller words inside larger ones. Players must spot synonyms for “scram” at the beginning of each word, which is not always obvious.

Q4: How often does NYT Connections use sports themes?

Sports themes appear often. Basketball, baseball, and football references show up because they are familiar categories for a broad audience.

Q5: Where can I find more daily puzzle help?

You can check regular coverage of Wordle, Strands, and Connections updates through major outlets like CNET and other news organizations that follow NYT Games.