NYT Connections Puzzle #856 Answers – October 14

Unlocking the Power of Connections: A Deep Dive into Today’s Puzzle

The New York Times’ Connections puzzle has been a staple of intellectual entertainment since its launch in June 2023. With its unique blend of wordplay and logic, it’s no wonder this puzzle has captured the hearts of millions. Today, we’re going to take a closer look at puzzle #856, dated October 14, 2025, and explore the fascinating world of Connections.

The Premise

For the uninitiated, Connections is a deceptively simple game that challenges players to find the thematic connection between four groups of four words. Sounds easy, right? Well, it’s not as straightforward as it seems. With a maximum of four mistakes allowed, players must carefully analyze the words and identify the underlying connections.

Today’s Puzzle

Let’s dive into today’s puzzle, which features categories that will test your knowledge and creativity. The four categories are:

1. Captivate (Yellow group): This category is all about what a great movie does to an audience. The words that fit this category are Absorb, Engage, Hold, and Occupy.
2. Summary (Green group): This category is about what an English professor might ask you for. The words that fit this category are Brief, Digest, Outline, and Review.
3. Halt (Blue group): This category is about what security does to patrons at sports events. The words that fit this category are Check, Curb, Staunch, and Stem.
4. Animals minus starting letter (Purple group): This category is a bit more playful, where you have to think of animal sounds without their initial consonant. The words that fit this category are Anther, Easel, Hark, and Lamawrtei (though it seems there might be a slight typo or confusion with the last word, as “Lamawrtei” doesn’t immediately fit the animal sound pattern without more context).

The Challenge

The challenge of Connections lies in its ability to test your vocabulary, pattern recognition, and logical thinking. It’s not just about knowing the words; it’s about understanding the relationships between them. As you play, you’ll find yourself thinking creatively and making connections you never thought possible.

Tips and Strategies

If you’re new to Connections or looking to improve your skills, here are a few tips to get you started:

• Read the hints carefully: The hints provided for each category can give you valuable insights into the theme and help you identify the words.
• Look for patterns: Pay attention to word patterns, such as prefixes, suffixes, or word families, which can help you identify the connections.
• Use process of elimination: If you’re stuck, try eliminating words that don’t fit the category, and see if you can find the remaining connections.

Conclusion

The NYT Connections puzzle is a delightful challenge that will keep you engaged and entertained for hours. With its unique blend of wordplay and logic, it’s the perfect puzzle for anyone looking to exercise their brain and have fun. Whether you’re a seasoned puzzle solver or a newcomer, today’s puzzle #856 is sure to provide a stimulating challenge.

So, what are you waiting for? Give today’s puzzle a try and see how quickly you can solve it. And if you need a hint, the clues are there to help you unlock the connections.

Additional Resources

If you’re interested in more puzzles or want to explore other brain-teasers, the New York Times Games section is a treasure trove of intellectual entertainment. From crosswords to Sudoku, there’s something for everyone.

Stay Connected

Stay up-to-date with the latest puzzle releases and solutions by following the New York Times Games section. Join the community, share your solutions, and see how you stack up against other puzzle enthusiasts.

In conclusion, the NYT Connections puzzle is a must-try for anyone who loves words, logic, and a good challenge. With its unique premise and engaging gameplay, it’s sure to captivate audiences and leave them coming back for more. So, get ready to unlock the power of connections and see how far your brain can take you!