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Cracking May 20, 2024 NYT Connections: A Walk‑Through, Hint Ladder, and Full Solution

Posted on May 20, 2024 — by Staff Writer

Time to Solve:6
Word Count:~229 words

Welcome to another day of Connections, where today’s puzzle offers a spellbinding mix of words that might just charm you! If you thought a 'HEX' was just a bad omen, think again; it’s also a ticket to a magical category! With wizards and superheroes sharing the stage, expect a delightful dance of creativity and cleverness. Just be careful not to get tangled in the strings of those 'PUPPETS'—or should we say, 'PAWNS'—while you navigate through this enchanting challenge.


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

CHARM
HEX
MAGIC
SPELL
INSTRUMENT
PAWN
PUPPET
TOOL
CAPE
MASK
TIGHTS
UNDERWEAR
BAY
CARPENTER
SCOTT
WOO

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 often get stuck when trying to differentiate between words that appear to belong to the same category but actually do not. For instance, the words 'CHARM' and 'SPELL' are clearly associated with magical practices, making them easier to group together. However, solvers might mistakenly consider 'TOOL' as a potential member of the magical group due to its connotation of being something that aids in a task, leading to confusion. Similarly, players might struggle with distinguishing 'MASK' and 'CAPE' from 'TIGHTS' and 'UNDERWEAR' in the superhero category, as all these items seem to relate to superhero attire at first glance, but only 'MASK,' 'CAPE,' 'TIGHTS,' and 'UNDERWEAR' are the correct grouping.


Final Thoughts

Today’s puzzle had a thrilling vibe, with the action-packed purples and whimsical yellows creating a delightful tension. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings—will it be a twist of fate or a delightful surprise? Until then, keep your capes at the ready!

Happy connecting, and see you in the squares!