If you’re jumping into today’s grid, you’ll be sorting 16 words into four tight categories of four. Yellow is the most straightforward group; purple is the trickiest. Play or check your grid at the official Connections page once you’re ready: NYT Connections.
Quick hints for today’s categories (no spoilers)
- Support
- Be careful on your computer
- Blow a bubble
- Are you ready for some football?
Stop here if you want to solve with just nudges. Full categories and answers are below.
Today’s categories and answers (Connections #840)
| Color | Theme | Words |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | Backing | AEGIS, GUARD, PROTECTION, SHIELD |
| Green | Malicious software | BACKDOOR, TROJAN HORSE, VIRUS, WORM |
| Blue | Gum brands | EXTRA, ICE BREAKERS, ORBIT, TRIDENT |
| Purple | N.F.L. team logos | BUFFALO, FLEUR-DE-LIS, HORSESHOE, LIGHTNING BOLT |
Why these groupings fit
- Backing: Each term can mean protection or defense; “aegis” and “shield” are the clearest tells.
- Malicious software: A mix of attack vectors and payloads; “Trojan horse” and “backdoor” are classic traps into a system.
- Gum brands: Four widely sold labels you’ll see in checkout aisles.
- N.F.L. team logos: Visual marks tied to team identities—Bills (buffalo), Saints (fleur-de-lis), Colts (horseshoe), Chargers (lightning bolt).
Difficulty and solve notes
Today’s puzzle carries a moderate difficulty (3 out of 5). Expect straightforward groupings with a purple set that leans on sports iconography rather than team names.
A new grid lands daily. If you’re chasing a perfect streak, bookmark the game and tackle yellow and green first to reduce noise before testing blue and purple overlaps.
