Purple group — ___ PRIZE
Why is “BOOBY” in the Purple group?
a type of prize, often humorous or ironic
Connections Hints for October 1, 2025 #842
Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for October 1, 2025 #842
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 2025-10-01. 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 — October 1, 2025
Green Category — October 1, 2025
Blue Category — October 1, 2025
Purple Category — October 1, 2025
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Yellow group — FAST-MOVING WATER
Why is “WHIRLPOOL” in the Yellow group?
a powerful, swirling body of water
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (October 1, 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.
- CATARACT
- Definition: a large waterfall
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to an eye condition
- CURRENT
- Definition: a flow of water
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to something happening now
- SLAM
- Definition: to criticize strongly
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a type of poetry or a basketball move
- ZOOM CALL
- Definition: a video conference
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a fast-moving vehicle
Connections #842 explained
Why these words connect (October 1, 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: FAST-MOVING WATER
These are all types of fast-moving water, including waterfalls and powerful currents, which can be found in nature and are often associated with rivers and oceans.
Green group: CRITICIZE
These are all ways to criticize or express strong disapproval, including harsh words and actions, which can be used in various contexts such as reviews, arguments, and public speeches.
Blue group: ECHOEY PLACES
These are all places where sound can echo or bounce around, including natural and man-made structures, which can be found in various environments such as outdoors and indoors.
Purple group: ___ PRIZE
These are all types of prizes or awards, including humorous and ironic ones, which can be given in various contexts such as competitions, ceremonies, and games.
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.
“CURRENT”
Seems like it belongs to: ECHOEY PLACES
Actually belongs to: FAST-MOVING WATER
CURRENT can refer to a flow of water, but also to something happening now, which might make it seem like it belongs to ECHOEY PLACES due to the concept of 'current' events being discussed in a hallway or tunnel.
“SLAM”
Seems like it belongs to: FAST-MOVING WATER
Actually belongs to: CRITICIZE
SLAM can refer to a strong criticism, but also to a type of poetry or a basketball move, which might make it seem like it belongs to FAST-MOVING WATER due to the fast-paced nature of a slam dunk.
“ZOOM CALL”
Seems like it belongs to: FAST-MOVING WATER
Actually belongs to: ECHOEY PLACES
ZOOM CALL can refer to a video conference, but also to a fast-moving vehicle, which might make it seem like it belongs to FAST-MOVING WATER due to the speed of a zooming car.
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “CURRENT” didn't go with ECHOEY PLACES
Seems like: ECHOEY PLACES → Actually: FAST-MOVING WATER
CURRENT can refer to a flow of water, but also to something happening now, which might make it seem like it belongs to ECHOEY PLACES due to the concept of 'current' events being discussed in a hallway or tunnel.
Why “SLAM” didn't go with FAST-MOVING WATER
Seems like: FAST-MOVING WATER → Actually: CRITICIZE
SLAM can refer to a strong criticism, but also to a type of poetry or a basketball move, which might make it seem like it belongs to FAST-MOVING WATER due to the fast-paced nature of a slam dunk.
Why “ZOOM CALL” didn't go with FAST-MOVING WATER
Seems like: FAST-MOVING WATER → Actually: ECHOEY PLACES
ZOOM CALL can refer to a video conference, but also to a fast-moving vehicle, which might make it seem like it belongs to FAST-MOVING WATER due to the speed of a zooming car.