Stuck on today’s NYT Connections puzzle for August 16, 2025? Get all the hints and full answers (spoilers below), plus smart strategies for tackling everyday word grids. Perfect for puzzle fans and streak savers!
What is NYT Connections?
If you haven’t jumped on the Connections craze, you’re missing today’s word-nerd obsession. Created by The New York Times, Connections is a daily puzzle that gives you 16 words, and your job is to sort them into four groups of four based on hidden links.
The categories range from straight-up obvious to brain-bendingly tricky—and as you solve, categories color-code from easiest (Yellow) to hardest (Purple). Four mistakes max—after that, your streak is toast!
Whether you’re a seasoned solver or a newbie, Connections is addictive fun and perfect for a fresh mental workout every morning.
Also Read:
NYT Connections Hints for August 16, 2025
Before peeking at spoilers, try these clue-based nudges to help you crack the puzzle!
Yellow Category Hint
Mental toughness
Think of qualities or traits that help a person stick to problems when things get tough.
Green Category Hint
Home improvement projects
What are some words that might pop up when fixing or upgrading things around the house?
Blue Category Hint
To defeat decisively
Focus on verbs or actions that mean “to win — and make sure everyone knows it.”
Purple Category Hint
Words that precede “paper”
These words, when paired with “paper”, describe types of paper—some for writing, some for rolling, some for… other things.
Picture those categories, jot down possible words, and see if you can group them before scrolling for the official answers!
How to Play NYT Connections Like a Pro
- Scan the words for obvious links: sometimes a category jumps out.
- Don’t get fooled—some words fit more than one group. Rethink your choices if you get stuck.
- Use those color cues: Yellow is usually the easiest, Purple the trickiest.
- You get four misses, so take your time—guessing haphazardly isn’t worth it!
- Feel confident with three in a group? Double-check that fourth before submitting.
NYT Connections Answers for August 16, 2025
Here’s where we spoil the puzzle! If you want to keep guessing, stop reading now.
Yellow Category: Mental Toughness
- Fortitude
- Grit
- Pluck
- Resolve
Green Category: Home Improvement Projects
- Construction
- Repairs
- Upgrades
- Work
Blue Category: To Defeat Decisively
- Cream
- Crush
- Rout
- Shellac
Purple Category: Words That Precede “Paper”
- Crepe (Crepe paper)
- Rolling (Rolling paper)
- Tissue (Tissue paper)
- Toilet (Toilet paper)
Bonus insight: Each category was a perfect example of Connections’ playful style. The mental-toughness group was straightforward (Yellow), while Purple had the classic wordplay trick—think household paper types, not just “school supplies”!
Final Thoughts & Streak Strategy
Today’s puzzle was a sweet mix of literal, lateral, and quirky wordplay—just what we love about NYT Connections. Remember, tomorrow brings a fresh challenge, so save this page for daily hints and answers. Keep your eyes peeled for sneaky category overlap and always double-check before submitting.
Happy connecting! Check back tomorrow for new hints and answers to keep that win streak rolling.
