In the NYT Connections puzzle, solvers often get stuck on the more ambiguous categories, especially when words can fit into multiple themes. For instance, the word "NURSE" could be misleading as it might initially seem to fit into the category of actions that babies do, but some might think of it in a more general caregiving context. Similarly, the word "COSMETIC" can confuse players because it relates to appearance but may not immediately suggest a superficial quality to everyone. This ambiguity can lead to misgrouping, as solvers may not recognize the clear distinctions between categories.

To effectively distinguish the real groups from the plausible decoys, solvers should look for strong thematic links among the words. For example, in the GREEN category, all terms are directly associated with typical behaviors of babies, whereas in the BLUE category, the words specifically denote characteristics related to surface-level attributes. Noticing these nuances can help solvers quickly identify correct groupings. Additionally, the PURPLE category is a bit tricky since the words all share the "___ EFFECT" structure, but understanding that they refer to specific concepts can help in correctly identifying them as a separate group.

One heuristic for future puzzles is to first sort words into broader categories based on initial impressions before refining them into specific themes. This can help in quickly eliminating incorrect groupings. Another useful strategy is to pay attention to word associations and synonyms; for instance, words in the YELLOW category all evoke a sense of creativity or spontaneity, which can be a hint to group them together. By developing a keen sense of these relationships, solvers can enhance their ability to navigate through tricky puzzles.