NYT Connections Puzzle #865: Today’s Hints and Full Answers Revealed

The daily NYT Connections puzzle for October 23, 2025, has been released. Puzzle #865 presents a fresh 16-word grid for players to decipher. Fans of the word association game are now tackling the latest challenge.

This puzzle follows the game’s standard format. Players must group words into four secret categories.

Solving Today’s NYT Connections Categories

Today’s yellow category was the simplest. It grouped words meaning “peachy” or “very good.” The words DANDY, DUCKY, FINE, and SWELL fit this theme perfectly.

The green category was slightly trickier. It centered on the concept of “winnings.” This included KITTY, POT, PRIZE, and PURSE.

The blue category required sports knowledge. It involved “pieces of Olympic sports equipment.” The connected words were BALL, BIRDIE, PUCK, and STONE.

The purple category was the most difficult. It featured words that form a compound word with “bag.” The answers were DOGGY, GO, MIXED, and SWAG.

Understanding the Puzzle’s Difficulty and Strategy

This puzzle was moderately challenging. The blue and purple categories required specific knowledge and word association skills. According to The New York Times, the puzzle editor often uses common words in uncommon ways.

Success in Connections often relies on spotting broader themes. Players should avoid getting stuck on literal meanings. The shuffle button can help break mental blocks by rearranging the word grid.

Today’s NYT Connections answer demonstrates the game’s clever design. Mastering these word puzzles requires both vocabulary and flexible thinking.

Info at your fingertips

What were the category hints for NYT Connections today?

The hints were Yellow: Very good, Green: Rewards, Blue: Items used in the biggest athletics event, and Purple: Words that go before the synonym of sack. These clues pointed players toward the correct groupings.

What is the hardest category in Connections?

The purple category is typically the most difficult. It often involves wordplay, puns, or less obvious connections that require deeper thought to solve.

How many attempts do you get in NYT Connections?

Players get four mistakes before the game ends. This limited number of attempts adds to the puzzle’s challenge and strategic depth.

Can you play old NYT Connections puzzles?

Yes, The New York Times maintains an archive of past puzzles. This allows players to revisit previous challenges and improve their skills over time.