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Cracking February 23, 2024 NYT Connections: A Walk‑Through, Hint Ladder, and Full Solution

Posted on February 23, 2024 — by Staff Writer

Time to Solve:7
Word Count:~210 words

Ah, the thrill of a good puzzle! Today’s Connections brings us a parade of words that might leave you feeling a bit blue—no, not sad, but rather in the mood for something a little more democratic (wink, wink). With our categories ranging from the vibrant shades of green to the spiny delights of hedgehogs, each group is a delightful twist on a theme. So, whether you’re marching in a caravan or simply enjoying a minty refreshment, let’s dive into this wordy wonderland together!


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

CARAVAN
FLEET
PARADE
TRAIN
OLIVE
FOREST
LIME
MINT
DEMOCRATIC
EROTIC
NOBLE
SAD
BOOK
CACTUS
HEDGEHOG
SKELETON

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

In this puzzle, solvers might find themselves stuck when trying to categorize words that have multiple meanings or associations. For example, the word "BLUE" can relate to emotions like sadness, but it can also refer to political affiliations, which could confuse players trying to distinguish between the meanings. Similarly, the word "PARADE" could be seen as a festive event but may also evoke thoughts of a procession, leading to potential misclassification with other groups. Identifying these nuances is critical to successfully completing the puzzle.

To effectively differentiate the real groups from plausible decoys, players should focus on the defining characteristics of the words in each category. For instance, in the "SHADES OF GREEN" category, all four words directly relate to color, making it easier to group them together. In contrast, the words in "WHAT 'BLUE' MIGHT MEAN" vary significantly in context—some pertain to emotions, while others relate to identity or value. Paying attention to the inherent properties of each word can help solvers avoid mixing categories that seem superficially similar but are fundamentally different.

One useful heuristic for players is to look for commonalities in context or function among the words. For example, when identifying groups, consider whether the words can be linked through a shared theme or characteristic. Additionally, solvers should remain aware of the possibility of ambiguous words and assess their broader associations before committing to a category. This approach will help players navigate future puzzles with greater ease, especially when confronted with words that might belong to multiple groups.


Final Thoughts

Today’s puzzle had a charming mix of themes, from the noble spines of our purple friends to the rhythmic flow of parades. If you enjoyed this brain-teaser, come back tomorrow for more wordplay fun and perhaps a few more delightful surprises!

Happy connecting, and see you in the squares!