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.