January 22, 2025 Puzzle #591 Connections Tips and Solutions

If you’re feeling stuck on today’s Connections puzzle, there are strategies to help you regain your footing. I encountered some challenges toward the puzzle’s conclusion, but ultimately, things fell into place. One category caught me off guard as it appeared to be a large fake out earlier on, but the rationale behind it soon became obvious. For those running into similar roadblocks, I’ve compiled essential tips to guide you through the latter part of the puzzle without any setbacks.

If you’re in the mood for a different kind of challenge that tests both your pop culture and vocabulary prowess, consider trying the NYT’s Strands puzzle. It reimagines the classic word search by adding a twist: you aren’t initially informed of the specific words to look for. While this may seem counterintuitive, you’ll find that with each guess, hints emerge, allowing you to tackle the puzzles far more quickly than anticipated. The only question remains: How many hints will you use before you’re done?

Today’s Connections Category Hints

January 22 #591

Wizard in Connections Categories January 22

If you’re searching for hints, you’re in the right place. You’ll encounter some tricky categories, including one prominent red herring consisting of four words that may initially seem to belong in their own group. Ultimately, your familiarity with the puzzle subjects will determine how easily you can discern the correct associations. The more you link the words to specific ideas, the more critical it becomes to step back and reevaluate what might be overlooked.

A category highlighting four elements all found in the same location
A category reflecting the outcome of a treasure hunt
A category focused on a group that sports identical outerwear
A category composed of four expressions that precede a directional term

If you’re still in need of additional hints, the category names and complete spoilers are available below for your reference.

TYPES OF ACADEMIC COURSES

RESULTS OF SOME DIGGING

ONES WEARING ROBES

___UP

Today’s Connections Answers

January 22 #591

Wizard in Connections Answers January 22

Yellow Answers: Revealed & Explained

TYPES OF ACADEMIC COURSES
DISCUSSION	LAB	LECTURE	SEMINAR

This category presented a challenge at first—not due to unfamiliarity with academic courses but because I had considered LAB for several other potential categories. Initially, I thought it might fit into a four-word dog breed nickname category or the robe-wearing group. However, those guesses didn’t pan out, and I eventually found the correct answers.

Green Answers: Revealed & Explained

RESULTS OF SOME DIGGING
DITCH	HOLE	PIT	TRENCH

Blue Answers: Revealed & Explained

ONES WEARING ROBES
BOXER	JUDGE	MONK	WIZARD

This category proved to be quite the puzzle. Initially, I had BOXER slotted into the dog category, and I also toyed with including LAWYER and LAB. The final moments of the puzzle became very tense as I narrowed down the right combination just in time to avoid a misstep.

Purple Answers: Revealed & Explained

___UP
BATTER	BOTTOMS	CHIN	LAWYER

This section came last for me, so it required less immediate worry. I initially placed CHIN within the dog category, which turned out to be ironic because I ended up with a dog in each group, making it an amusing puzzle when I realized my mistake. While a LAWYER typically doesn’t don robes, there are instances where they might, leading to further ambiguity. Ultimately, I triumphed, so the misclassifications were less consequential.

Other Games Like Connections

Game Name	How To Play	Is It Free To Play?
Wordle (NOW)	Decode a random five-letter word utilizing color hints. All Wordle answers are available in our regularly updated list.	Yes
First	Guess a five-digit number within six attempts.	Yes
Crosswordle	Uncover two intersecting words, similar to a crossword puzzle.	Yes
The Password Game	Create a password in this ever-evolving game with various challenges. Helpful tips can be found in our Password Game guide.	Yes