NYT Connections is the daily word game that asks you to sort 16 seemingly unrelated words into four logical groups of four. For 27 December 2025, the puzzle blended abstract ideas, cultural references, and clever wordplay. Some categories felt instantly familiar, while others required a second look. Below, you’ll find spoiler-free hints first, followed by the full answers.

NYT Connections Puzzle Overview: 27 December 2025

Today’s grid leaned heavily into concepts and associations rather than literal definitions. A couple of categories appeared deceptively obvious, while one relied on a playful linguistic twist. Overall, this was a satisfying mix that rewarded broad knowledge and careful reading, especially for solvers who double-check patterns before locking answers.

NYT Connections Hints: 27 December 2025

Category 1:
  • Think about seating tiers you might select while booking travel
  • These words often appear together on airline websites
  • They describe levels of comfort and service
  • Common choices when upgrading a ticket
Category 2:
  • Each word can describe a quality or descriptor
  • Often used when giving acknowledgment or mention
  • You might assign or give this in writing
  • Related to recognition or identification
Category 3:
  • These words connect to work or occupation
  • Think of what someone might do for a living
  • Older or formal language may apply here
  • Tied to skills passed down or practiced
Category 4:
  • Each word hides something at the very end
  • Look closely at the final letters
  • All share a surprising beverage-related finish
  • The connection is more playful than literal

NYT Connections Answers: 27 December 2025

Here are the answers for today, grouped by category:

Category 1:
Category 2:
Category 3:
Category 4:

Conclusion & Quick Strategy Tip

Today’s puzzle offered a pleasant mix of trivia and orthographic trickery — approachable if you spotted the obvious categories, trickier if you focused only on letters. Quick strategy tip: when a cluster looks like trivia, scan for proper names first; when letters look odd, test pronunciations and small edits.