NYT Connections 31 May, 2026: The NYT Connections puzzle remains one of the most engaging daily word games, drawing millions of players each day. Its appeal lies in simplicity on the surface, yet it often demands layered thinking and strong pattern recognition to solve correctly.
What is NYT Connections?
NYT Connections is a daily word grouping challenge from The New York Times where players are given 16 words and must organize them into four connected sets based on shared meaning, theme, or cultural association. The puzzle tracks accuracy and limits mistakes, increasing tension as players progress.
How to Play NYT Connections
- You receive 16 random words in a grid
- The goal is to form 4 groups of 4 related words
- Each group shares a hidden connection or theme
- You submit guesses until all sets are correct
- Limited errors are allowed before failure
Today’s Connections Words for 31 May (Sunday)
- BUTTER
- RUBBER DUCK
- SCHOOL BUS
- PIKACHU
- BREAK
- RACK
- CUE
- SALT
- JACK
- TAR
- SEA DOG
- STEAK
- SOAK
- SPINE
- SASH
Today’s Connections Hints for 31 May (Sunday)
- One category highlights commonly recognized yellow-themed icons
- Another focuses on billiards-related terminology
- A group connects nautical slang terms used for sailors
- One set revolves around words formed by adding “S” or linked structures
NYT Connections Answers for 31 May (#1085)
- YELLOW: BUTTER, RUBBER DUCK, SCHOOL BUS, PIKACHU
- GREEN: BREAK, POCKET, RACK, CUE
- BLUE: SALT, JACK, TAR, SEA DOG
- PURPLE: STEAK, SOAK, SPINE, SASH
Yesterday’s NYT Connections Answers for 30 May (#1084)
- IN YOUR DREAMS: IMPOSSIBLE, NEVER, NO WAY, SORRY
- SENSIBLE: CLEAR, LUCID, RIGHT, SOUND
- TYPOGRAPHICAL SYMBOLS: BRACE, CARET, PIPE, TILDE
- GRAMMY SONG NOMINEES: FEVER, GIGI, VOLARE, WITCHCRAFT
Tips to Solve NYT Connections
- Start with the most obvious grouping first
- Look for cultural or sports-based themes
- Avoid locking in assumptions too early
- Test alternative meanings of the same word
- Use elimination to narrow down possibilities
FAQ’s NYT Connections
What is the objective?
To group 16 words into 4 correct sets
Is there a time limit?
No strict timer, but mistakes are limited
Do puzzles change daily?
Yes, a new set appears every day
Are all categories equal difficulty?
No, difficulty varies
Can words overlap in meaning?
Yes, but only one grouping is correct
Disclaimer: Solutions and hints are for guidance only; all NYT Connections content is The New York Times and remains their intellectual property.
