Man Holding Connections Sign on Top of Sky Scraper with a sign that says Connections Puzzle #1, June 12, 2023

NYT Connections Hints and Answers for Monday, June 12, 2023 (#1)6 min read

Let’s talk about NYT Connections—this word puzzle game has been turning heads among word and trivia fans everywhere. Imagine the same mental gymnastics of Wordle, but with a twist that’s less about finding words and more about sorting them into themed groups.

Think you know your stuff? Connections will put that to the test.


What Is NYT Connections?

NYT Connections is the latest brainchild of The New York Times, and it’s quickly becoming a favorite for puzzle enthusiasts. At its core, the game challenges players to take 16 seemingly unrelated words and group them into four categories, each connected by a common theme. Sounds easy, right? Well, not so fast. The catch is that some words are designed to throw you off, fitting multiple groups—or none at all—just to keep you guessing.

To spice things up, the game uses a color-coded difficulty system. Yellow represents the easiest categories, then it moves to green, blue, and finally purple—the trickiest of them all. This setup ensures that every puzzle has a balanced mix of challenges, making your eventual win feel like a true accomplishment.

Think of it as a modern twist on classic word games like Categories—but with a lot more mind games. The genius behind Connections is Wyna Liu, a Times puzzle editor who clearly has a knack for creating those “aha!” moments when everything finally clicks.

Whether you’re a fan of word association or just love a good brain workout, Connections offers something for everyone. And trust me, once you solve your first puzzle, you’ll be itching for the next one!


How to Play NYT Connections

If you’re new to NYT Connections, don’t sweat it—it’s simple to pick up, but mastering it is where the fun begins. Here’s how to get started:

Understand the Rules

The game presents you with a grid of 16 words, and your goal is to sort them into four groups of four, each with a common theme. The challenge? Some words can fit into multiple categories, so there’s a bit of trial and error involved. But don’t go too wild—mistakes are capped at four, so choose carefully.

Pro Tip: If you feel stuck, give the grid a shuffle. Sometimes seeing the words in a different arrangement can spark new connections.

Color-Coded Difficult

Each category is ranked by difficulty using a color system:

  • Yellow: These are your low-hanging fruit—the easiest groups to find.
  • Green: Slightly trickier, but still manageable.
  • Blue: Now it’s getting serious; expect a challenge.
  • Purple: The ultimate brain-burner. If you crack these, pat yourself on the back.

Pro Tip: The puzzle progresses through these levels as you solve, so starting with Yellow is a smart move to build momentum.

Explore our comprehensive guide on how to play Connections, complete with expert tips to enhance your gameplay and increase your chances of winning.


Today’s NYT Connections Words

The words listed below are presented in random order and do not reflect their original categories or groupings in the puzzle.

  • Race Car
  • Nets
  • Shift
  • Tab
  • Kayak
  • Hail
  • Jazz
  • Return
  • Snow
  • Mom
  • Bucks
  • Heat
  • Sleet
  • Options
  • Rain
  • Level
NYT Connections Game Grid - Puzzle #1, June 12, 2023

Hints for Today’s Connections Groups

Want a nudge toward the categories without giving them away? Try these hints and see if you can crack the code.

Yellow 🟨 – Think of what you might prefer to stay inside from.

Green 🟩 – These teams light up arenas from the East to the West.

Blue 🟦 – Reflect on what your fingers frequently press.

Purple 🟪 – Words that are their own mirrors.

Answers for Today’s Connections Groups

Need a little extra help? No problem.

But be warned—we’re definitely stepping into spoiler territory here.

Today’s Connections Groups are…

Yellow 🟨 – Wet Weather

Green 🟩 – NBA Teams

Blue 🟦 – Keyboard Keys

Purple 🟪 – Palindromes

Todays Connections Answers

Spoiler alert! Ready to dive into today’s Connections answers? If not, now’s your last chance to turn back before we reveal it all.

Drumroll, please! 🥁

Today’s Connections answers are…

Yellow 🟨 – Wet Weather: Hail, Rain, Sleet, Snow

Green 🟩 – NBA Teams: Bucks, Heat, Jazz, Nets

Blue 🟦 – Keyboard Keys: Option, Return, Shift, Tab

Purple 🟪 -Palindromes: Kayak, Level, Mom, Race Car

NYT Connections Answers for June 12, 2023

Today’s Yellow Words in Connections 🟨

The theme is Wet Weather. The four words that belong together are Hail, Rain, Sleet, Snow.

Today’s Green Words in Connections 🟩

The theme is NBA Teams. The four words that belong together are Bucks, Heat, Jazz, Nets.

Today’s Blue Words in Connections 🟦

The theme is Keyboard Keys. The four words that belong together are Option, Return, Shift, Tab.

Today’s Purple Words in Connections 🟪

The theme is Palindromes. The four words that belong together are Kayak, Level, Mom, Race Car.


Why Connections is So Popular

Here’s why it’s such a hit: it’s a daily challenge that’s easy to pick up but devilishly hard to master. Plus, it’s totally shareable—perfect for flexing your word-savvy muscles on social media. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good brainteaser that makes them feel like a genius one day and utterly perplexed the next?

We think you’d like this: Why NYT Connections is the Most Addictive Word Game in 2025

But before we dive into today’s specifics, consider this your spoiler alert!

If you’re here for hints, great, keep reading. If you just want the answers served up, jump ahead (no judgment, I promise). For everyone else, let’s crack open today’s puzzle together and see what it’s all about!

Connections Tips for Beginners

  1. Start Easy: Look for obvious groups that practically shout their connection—like colors, numbers, or common trivia.
  2. Spot Patterns: Words that share a theme, like synonyms or items in a set, often stand out first.
  3. Work Backwards: Once you identify a few words that don’t seem to fit together, think about what other category they might belong to.
  4. Stay Cool: Don’t overthink it. Sometimes the simplest answer is the correct one.

Want to level up your skills? Check out our full list of Connections tips and tricks to master the game.

With these strategies in hand, you’ll be solving tricky categories and climbing the color-coded ladder in no time. Good luck, and happy connecting!

Good luck, and happy connecting!

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