Issue #486 Wed 9 Oct
NYT Connections Hints & Answer — October 9, 2024
Today's grid offers a measured progression. You will find two groups relying on direct semantic links, while the remaining pairs require a bit more structural investigation.
yellow group 7 hints
Yellow group hints
A glass of seltzer left on the counter, the ring of residue drying slowly in the morning light.
Physical states of matter
Synonyms
Members are 4–7 letters; first letters B, F.
EFFERVESCENCE
One is BUBBLES.
BUBBLES · FIZZ · FOAM · FROTH
green group 7 hints
Green group hints
The slow widening of a seed pod in the garden after three days of steady rain.
Stages of growth
Synonyms
Members are 6–8 letters; first letters B, D, M, P.
BURGEON
One is BLOSSOM.
BLOSSOM · DEVELOP · MATURE · PROGRESS
blue group 7 hints
Blue group hints
The magazine rack in a doctor's office, worn at the corners and months out of date.
Media outlets
Categorical group
Members are 4–9 letters; first letters B, M, P, S.
MUSIC PUBLICATIONS
One is BILLBOARD.
BILLBOARD · MOJO · PITCHFORK · SPIN
violet group 7 hints
Violet group hints
The junk drawer where the mismatched silver pieces go when the main set is full.
Compound words
Suffix-based wordplay
Members are 9–11 letters; first letters B, J, W.
ENDING WITH TABLEWARE
One is BOILERPLATE.
BOILERPLATE · BUTTERCUP · JACKKNIFE · WITHERSPOON
Spoiler zone
Complete Connections answer
Open only the solution you want to see. Each answer stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
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Reveal the yellow group
EFFERVESCENCEBUBBLES · FIZZ · FOAM · FROTH
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Reveal the green group
BURGEONBLOSSOM · DEVELOP · MATURE · PROGRESS
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Reveal the blue group
MUSIC PUBLICATIONSBILLBOARD · MOJO · PITCHFORK · SPIN
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Reveal the violet group
ENDING WITH TABLEWAREBOILERPLATE · BUTTERCUP · JACKKNIFE · WITHERSPOON
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Connections on October 9, 2024. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Connections answer for October 9, 2024, or browse every Connections puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Connections on October 9, 2024?
NYT Connections on October 9, 2024 rates 3 out of 4 on our difficulty scale — a tougher-than-average puzzle. As always you sort sixteen words into four colour-coded groups, and our hints tease what links each group without ever naming the words.
What's a spoiler-free hint for NYT Connections on October 9, 2024?
The hint ladder above starts with a one-line vibe for each of the four groups, then adds the connecting idea, then the wording of each category. You climb only as far as you need, and no grouped words are shown until the final reveal.
How many groups are in NYT Connections #486?
Four groups of four, ordered from the gentlest to the trickiest. For the categories and the sixteen words themselves, open the answer section on this page — the hints here keep them hidden.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 4 groups · 16 words
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 4 groups · 16 words