Enjoying our puzzle hints?

Support independent coverage of NYT games and keep the hints flowing.

Buy me a coffee

Connections Hints for May 20, 2025 #708

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for May 20, 2025 #708

Want to see NYT Connections hints? Below you'll find complete solutions and explanations. Want to try solving it yourself first? Visit the NYT Connections game 2025-05-20. Looking for today's NYT Connections hint? Head to our home page or play today's connection game here.

Navigation tip: Use the arrows below to browse through past puzzles. Each puzzle is organized from easiest (yellow) to hardest (purple) categories.

Yellow Category — May 20, 2025

Green Category — May 20, 2025

Blue Category — May 20, 2025

Purple Category — May 20, 2025

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Green group — SEEN IN A BARN

Why is “PITCHFORK” in the Green group?

a farm tool with a long handle and sharp prongs

Blue group — WORDS BEFORE “BED”

Why is “MURPHY” in the Blue group?

referring to Murphy bed, a bed that folds into a wall

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (May 20, 2025)

Several words in today's puzzle have multiple meanings or obscure definitions that can throw you off. Here's what each one means in the context of this Connections grid.

LOG
Definition: a record of events
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a tree trunk
REGISTER
Definition: an official record
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a cash register
HARDY
Definition: a surname of detectives in kid-lit
Why it's tricky: can also refer to being robust or resilient
CANOPY
Definition: a bed with a fabric top
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a covering for a car or other object

Connections #708 explained

Why these words connect (May 20, 2025)

Understanding the logic behind each group helps you spot similar patterns in future puzzles. Here's the reasoning for every category in today's Connections.

Yellow group: ACCOUNT BOOK

These are all terms for a book or system used to record financial transactions, including ledgers, logs, and registers.

Green group: SEEN IN A BARN

These are all objects or animals you might find in a barn, including horses, pitchforks, and bales of hay.

Blue group: DETECTIVES OF KID-LIT

These are all surnames of famous detectives from children's literature, including the Hardy Boys and Sherlock Holmes.

Purple group: WORDS BEFORE “BED”

These are all words or phrases that can come before the word 'bed', including water bed, day bed, and Murphy bed.

Red herrings and trap words explained

These words were designed to mislead you. Understanding why they don't belong where you first think sharpens your game for tomorrow.

HORSE

Seems like it belongs to: WORDS BEFORE “BED”

Actually belongs to: SEEN IN A BARN

while horses may sleep in beds, the word 'horse' is more closely related to the barn category

LOG

Seems like it belongs to: WORDS BEFORE “BED”

Actually belongs to: ACCOUNT BOOK

while a log can be a record, it's more closely related to the account book category

BROWN

Seems like it belongs to: WORDS BEFORE “BED”

Actually belongs to: DETECTIVES OF KID-LIT

while brown can be a color, in this context it refers to the detective

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.

Why “HORSE” didn't go with WORDS BEFORE “BED”

Seems like: WORDS BEFORE “BED” → Actually: SEEN IN A BARN

while horses may sleep in beds, the word 'horse' is more closely related to the barn category

Why “LOG” didn't go with WORDS BEFORE “BED”

Seems like: WORDS BEFORE “BED” → Actually: ACCOUNT BOOK

while a log can be a record, it's more closely related to the account book category

Why “BROWN” didn't go with WORDS BEFORE “BED”

Seems like: WORDS BEFORE “BED” → Actually: DETECTIVES OF KID-LIT

while brown can be a color, in this context it refers to the detective

Browse by Date

2026

March

Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
12