Enjoying our puzzle hints?

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

Buy me a coffee

Connections Hints for September 14, 2025 #825

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for September 14, 2025 #825

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 2025-09-14. 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 — September 14, 2025

Green Category — September 14, 2025

Blue Category — September 14, 2025

Purple Category — September 14, 2025

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Yellow group — ENTRYWAY

Why is “HATCH” in the Yellow group?

a door or opening, often found in aircraft or submarines

Green group — MAP FEATURES

Why is “INSET” in the Green group?

a smaller map or diagram inserted within a larger one

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (September 14, 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.

KEY
Definition: a crucial element for map reading
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a musical instrument or a cryptographic tool
SCALE
Definition: a ratio of representation on a map
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a musical concept or a device for measuring weight
PORTAL
Definition: an entrance or gateway
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a website or online platform
MAIN
Definition: a primary or central street
Why it's tricky: can also refer to the main course of a meal or a primary electrical supply

Connections #825 explained

Why these words connect (September 14, 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: ENTRYWAY

These words all describe ways to enter or exit a physical space, such as a door, gate, or portal.

Green group: MAP FEATURES

These words are all components of a map, including tools for navigation and understanding the map's layout.

Blue group: SURPASS

These words all convey the idea of going beyond or achieving more than something else, whether it's a competitor, a goal, or an expectation.

Purple group: STREETS WITH SYMBOLIC IMPORTANCE

These streets have become iconic or symbolic in culture, often due to their association with significant events, institutions, or values.

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.

KEY

Seems like it belongs to: ENTRYWAY

Actually belongs to: MAP FEATURES

While a key can unlock a door, in this context it refers to a map legend. The word's multiple meanings make it a tricky fit.

MAIN

Seems like it belongs to: ENTRYWAY

Actually belongs to: STREETS WITH SYMBOLIC IMPORTANCE

Main can refer to a primary entrance, but here it's a street name with symbolic importance, making it a misleading fit.

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “KEY” didn't go with ENTRYWAY

Seems like: ENTRYWAY → Actually: MAP FEATURES

While a key can unlock a door, in this context it refers to a map legend. The word's multiple meanings make it a tricky fit.

Why “MAIN” didn't go with ENTRYWAY

Seems like: ENTRYWAY → Actually: STREETS WITH SYMBOLIC IMPORTANCE

Main can refer to a primary entrance, but here it's a street name with symbolic importance, making it a misleading fit.

Browse by Date

2026

February

Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1234567891011121314151617181920