The New York Times Connections puzzle for June 25, 2026 (Puzzle #1110) offers a satisfying mix of straightforward categories and clever wordplay. Rated 1 out of 5 in difficulty by NYT experts, this edition is one of the easier recent puzzles but still delivers a rewarding challenge, especially in the final category.
How NYT Connections Works
Connections is a daily word game where players sort 16 words into four groups of four, each linked by a hidden theme. The groups are color-coded: yellow (easiest), green or blue (moderate), and purple (hardest). Players have only four incorrect guesses before the game ends.
Today’s 16 Words
Here are the words for June 25, 2026:
- MICROPHONE
- COMPACT
- SQUASHED
- FRANCIUM
- LEAD
- CRANIUM
- CROQUETTE
- DUCTILE
- HOCKEY
- MONITOR
- COMPRESSED
- DENSE
- PRINTER
- TRACKPAD
- MERCURY
- POLONIUM
Hints by Color Group
If you need a nudge, here are clues for each category:
- Yellow Group: Think of common computer peripherals — devices you connect to a PC or laptop.
- Green Group: Words that describe something packed tightly or compressed.
- Blue Group: Chemical elements from the periodic table that are hazardous metals.
- Purple Group: Words that begin with sounds that are homophones of bird names.
Full Answers for June 25, 2026
If you’re ready for the solutions, here are the complete groups:
- Yellow Group (COMPUTER PERIPHERALS): MICROPHONE, MONITOR, PRINTER, TRACKPAD
- Green Group (TIGHTLY PACKED): COMPACT, COMPRESSED, DENSE, SQUASHED
- Blue Group (HAZARDOUS ELEMENTAL METALS): FRANCIUM, LEAD, MERCURY, POLONIUM
- Purple Group (STARTING WITH BIRD HOMOPHONES): CRANIUM (crane), CROQUETTE (crow), DUCTILE (duck), HOCKEY (hawk)
Final Thoughts
This puzzle strikes a great balance between accessible wins and a final twist. Most players will breeze through the yellow category, but the purple group’s bird-homophone wordplay adds a clever layer that makes the solve satisfying. It’s a reminder of why Connections remains a daily favorite for word game enthusiasts.