Cracking Today’s NYT Connections Puzzle (April 22): Slippery Clues & Fiery Traps

NYT Connections Answers: Tuesdays aren’t always smooth sailing — especially if you’re trying to beat the New York Times’ popular brain teaser, Connections. Puzzle #680 has arrived with its usual mix of clever misdirections and eyebrow-raising groupings, but don’t sweat it — we’ve got the breakdown you need.

If you're scratching your head over today’s challenge, here’s a spoiler-lite guide that’ll nudge you toward that satisfying victory without giving it all away (unless you want the full answer — we’ve got that too).

The Basics: How Connections Works

For the uninitiated, Connections is one of NYT’s biggest word game hits after Wordle. Your mission? Group 16 seemingly unrelated words into four sets of four, each tied together by a common theme. Sounds easy enough — until the red herrings start flying.

With only four mistakes allowed before the game reveals the answers, it’s a high-stakes logic battle every morning. Each set also comes with a color-coded difficulty: Yellow (Easiest), Green, Blue, and Purple (Hardest).

Hints Without the Spoilers (Mostly)

Feeling close but not quite there? These category cues might help:

  • Yellow: These spell the end of a plan.
  • Green: Think pottery tools and materials.
  • Blue: Watch your step — they’re all slippery.
  • Purple: Things that bring the heat naturally.

Still not ringing any bells? Here’s a little more:

  • Yellow word clue: Drop
  • Green: Glaze
  • Blue: Ice
  • Purple: Lightning

Remember: “Fire” and “Ice” might seem like a pair, but they belong in totally different categories today.

Full Breakdown: Today’s Connections Answer

Need to move on with your day and just want the answers? We’ve got you. Here’s how today’s 16 words group up:

  • Yellow – Cancel, As A Project: Axe, Cut, Drop, Scrap
  • Green – Seen In A Pottery Studio: Clay, Glaze, Kiln, Wheel
  • Blue – Things That Are Slippery: Banana Peel, Eel, Grease, Ice
  • Purple – Natural Producers Of Heat: Fire, Lightning, Sun, Volcano

Feeling tripped up by “Grease” or tempted to link “Fire” and “Ice” together? You’re not alone. That’s what makes Connections a beautifully sneaky challenge — even the obvious pairings can lead you astray.

Want to give it a go yourself? Good luck — and watch out for banana peels.

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