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Cracking May 14, 2024 NYT Connections: A Walk‑Through, Hint Ladder, and Full Solution

Posted on May 14, 2024 — by Staff Writer

Time to Solve:6
Word Count:~211 words

Welcome to today’s Connections Corner, where the only thing more satisfying than finishing a puzzle is figuring out why 'draft' made the cut! Whether you’re sketching out your plans or dining on a feast, today’s categories are as varied as the toppings on a pizza—except, of course, for the Spanish pronouns that might leave you saying 'yo' in confusion. With a bit of strategy and maybe a snack, let’s dive into the delightful chaos of connections!


What is NYT Connections?

NYT Connections is The New York Times' daily word-association puzzle that challenges you to group 16 seemingly random words into four hidden categories. Each set of Connections answers is unique, ranging from pop-culture references to tricky linguistic twists, making it a fresh brain-teaser every day. Whether you're hunting for subtle hints, full solutions, or an archive of past puzzles, our site delivers everything you need to conquer today's NYT Connections and sharpen your puzzle-solving skills.


Today's Grid

DRAFT
OUTLINE
PLAN
SKETCH
DINE
FEAST
FEED
SUP
ELLA
ME
SUS
YO
FIT
JIM
PICKINGS
SHADY

Remember: the NYT shuffles the tiles each time you open the puzzle, so your on‑screen layout might differ. The words themselves, however, are identical.


🪜 Hint Ladder

Choose the lightest nudge you need—each door opens to a bigger clue.


🎉 Full Solution (Spoilers Ahead!) 🎉

Nailed it in four? 🎯 Gold star! Needed a few swings first? You're in fine company—the purple decoys were downright devious today.


Strategy Spotlight: How to Approach This Puzzle

One key heuristic for solvers is to categorize words based on their primary meanings rather than secondary associations. This approach helps eliminate confusion when words have multiple interpretations. For instance, recognizing that 'DINE' and 'FEAST' are directly linked to meals allows players to confidently group them without getting sidetracked by other potential themes. Another useful strategy is to look for linguistic patterns, such as identifying foreign language components or specific grammatical functions, as seen with the Spanish words in the blue group. By applying these strategies consistently, players can enhance their problem-solving skills in future puzzles.


Final Thoughts

Today’s puzzle was a delightful mix of culinary cravings and linguistic twists, with those devilish purples lurking in the shadows. Join us tomorrow for another round of brain-teasing fun—who knows what colorful connections await?

Happy connecting, and see you in the squares!