January 19, 2025 Connections Puzzle #588: Hints and Answers

Today’s Connections puzzle presents quite the challenge, especially if you’re aiming to solve it perfectly. Having explored this puzzle, I found it on the challenging side—not because of the mechanics, but due to my pre-existing interpretations of the words. Certain definitions I had in mind made it more complex to fit answers into the puzzle’s constraints. To assist you in navigating these tricky waters, I’ll share valuable insights and strategies.

Unlike many other word games that allow unlimited guessing with the simple constraint of completing it by the end of the day, Wordle adds an exhilarating twist by limiting players to just six attempts. This creates a heightened sense of risk and challenge—one that many players thrive on but also increases the possibility of missing the mark.

Today’s Connections Category Hints

JANUARY 19 #588

To minimize risks in today’s puzzle and enhance your chances of success, leveraging hints can provide a strategic advantage. There were certain terms I encountered that were unfamiliar in their respective contexts, alongside others that simply didn’t register correctly at first glance. This can undoubtedly complicate the solving process. However, with the right hints, clarity can be achieved.

One category involves items that gather contributions from everyone.
Another category consists of occurrences that can all transpire at a single location.
A third category encompasses various elements that influence our world.
The final category includes four items that have a shared trait; however, the unifying word has multiple definitions, complicating the connections.

If the hints provided are still insufficient, utilizing these category indicators can help you refine your guesses even further:

FUND

COURT FILING

LANDFORMS

THEY HAVE RAYS

Today’s Connections Answers

JANUARY 19 #588

Yellow Answers: Revealed & Explained

FUND
KITTY	POOL	POT	PURSE

This category truly caught me off guard today. I’ve rarely encountered the word KITTY employed in this manner, which explains my initial confusion. I might have instinctively placed BASIN in this category instead since it also denotes a container. However, returning to this category after progressing may turn out to be quite challenging due to its inherent complexity.

Green Answers: Revealed & Explained

COURT FILING
ACTION	CASE	CLAIM	SUIT

This category was the most straightforward for me today. The combination of CLAIM and CASE was a clear indicator, while tying ACTION and SUIT together took a bit more thought. Luckily, I managed to piece it all together relatively quickly, marking it as the first category I solved—and thankfully, there are no claims against my capabilities in this case.

Blue Answers: Revealed & Explained

LANDFORMS
BASIN	BLUFF	CAPE	PLAIN

This category proved somewhat perplexing due to my misclassification of terms. Initially, I grouped BASIN with words like POOL and POT as containers for water—an oversight that cost me a valuable guess. Adjusting my perception allowed me to finally complete it, although I mistakenly saw CAPE as clothing instead of a geographical feature.

Purple Answers: Revealed & Explained

THEY HAVE RAYS
AQUARIUM	GEOMETRY	SUN	TAMPA BAY

This category is particularly elusive; for me, sports knowledge—or the lack thereof—was my downfall. Unfamiliar with the Tampa Bay Rays, I stumbled in identifying this connection. Additionally, my memories of high school GEOMETRY have faded considerably. Nonetheless, the final category often features items that seem unrelated, which can offer an intuitive guessing path if you find yourself stuck.

Other Games Like Connections

If you’re on the lookout for additional challenges today, consider trying these games listed below.

Game Name	How To Play	Is It Free To Play?
Wordle (NOW)	Guess a five-letter word using color-coded clues. Answers are updated daily.	Yes
The Password Game	Formulate a password in this uniquely challenging game, with helpful tips available in our guide.	Yes
Nerd	Solve a math equation with just six attempts.	Yes
Dordle	Guess two words simultaneously on two adjacent boards within six tries.	Yes