The New York Times Connections puzzle (#871) for Wednesday, October 29, 2025, delivers a balanced challenge with four distinct word groups. The puzzle blends straightforward synonyms, phonetic patterns, and clever cultural connections. Below is a complete breakdown of all categories, hints, and explanations.
The Four Categories and Answers
| Category | Theme | Words |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow (Easiest) | Fortitude | Backbone, Courage, Heart, Spirit |
| Green | Channel | Medium, Outlet, Platform, Venue |
| Blue | Words Starting with the “Say” Sound | Sacrum, Seitan, Seychelles, Séance |
| Purple (Hardest) | Things Featuring Letters A Through Z | Abecedarium, Computer Keyboard, Ouija Board, Scrabble |
Category Hints
- Yellow: Focuses on inner strength and bravery — words synonymous with courage and fortitude.
- Green: Relates to methods or channels for communication and reaching audiences.
- Blue: Includes words that start with the “say” sound phonetically.
- Purple: Covers items or concepts that feature all letters from A to Z.
Category 1: Yellow (Easiest) — Words Meaning Fortitude
Theme: Synonyms for bravery, courage, and inner strength
Words: Backbone, Courage, Heart, Spirit
This is the most straightforward group in today’s puzzle. All four words represent fortitude and bravery:
- Backbone – Symbolizes determination and resolve; also a metaphor for moral strength.
- Courage – The direct term for bravery and fearlessness.
- Heart – Reflects emotional and moral courage — the willingness to face challenges with passion.
- Spirit – Embodies resilience and the indomitable will to persevere.
Together, they describe qualities that define a person’s inner strength and moral fiber.
Category 2: Green (Medium) — Delivery Methods for Media
Theme: Ways of reaching audiences or distributing content
Words: Medium, Outlet, Platform, Venue
Each word represents a communication channel:
- Medium – The general form or tool through which information is transmitted (TV, radio, internet).
- Outlet – A specific organization that distributes content (e.g., news network or publisher).
- Platform – Commonly used for digital services or social media spaces where content is shared.
- Venue – Physical or virtual locations for performances, events, or broadcasts.
This group centers on how information and media reach the public — from print and digital to live formats.
Category 3: Blue (Harder) — Words Starting with the “Say” Sound
Theme: Words that phonetically begin with “say” (the sound of the letter C)
Words: Sacrum, Seitan, Seychelles, Séance
This group tests your ear for phonetics rather than spelling. Each word begins with the “say” sound:
| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Sacrum | SAY-crum | The triangular bone at the base of the spine, connecting it to the pelvis. |
| Seitan | SAY-tan | A plant-based meat substitute made from wheat gluten. |
| Seychelles | say-SHELLS | A tropical island nation in the Indian Ocean, east of Africa. |
| Séance | say-AHN-ce | A meeting to communicate with spirits, often led by a medium. |
This category can be tricky since the connection is sound-based, not meaning-based — requiring you to say the words aloud to hear the pattern.
Category 4: Purple (Hardest) — Things Featuring Letters A Through Z
Theme: Objects or concepts that include all 26 English letters
Words: Abecedarium, Computer Keyboard, Ouija Board, Scrabble
This is the toughest group, demanding both cultural and linguistic knowledge. Each item represents or contains the full alphabet:
- Abecedarium – A text or teaching tool showing all letters in order, used for literacy learning.
- Computer Keyboard – A physical layout featuring every letter from A to Z.
- Ouija Board – A spiritual communication board displaying all alphabet letters plus “Yes,” “No,” and “Goodbye.”
- Scrabble – The word-building board game that includes tiles for all 26 letters.
It’s a clever and layered category, often the final and hardest to identify during gameplay.
Puzzle Strategy and Solving Tips
- Start Easy: Begin with the Yellow category — it’s the most intuitive.
- Move to Green: Once you notice the communication-related terms, the connection becomes clear.
- Tackle Blue Next: Pronounce each word aloud to recognize the “say” sound pattern.
- Finish with Purple: Save this for last, as it requires broader knowledge and abstract thinking.
If you get stuck, look for sound patterns, synonyms, or shared cultural themes. The beauty of today’s puzzle lies in how it challenges both linguistic logic and creative thinking.
NYT Connections #871 (October 29, 2025) stands out as a balanced yet intellectually playful puzzle, combining straightforward vocabulary, phonetic wordplay, and thematic reasoning. Whether you’re a casual solver or a Connections veteran, this one offers a rewarding midweek challenge.
