Blue group — BIRDS
Why is “SWIFT” in the Blue group?
a small, agile bird known for its swift flight
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 12, 2025 #853
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 2025-10-12. 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.
Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Blue group — BIRDS
a small, agile bird known for its swift flight
Green group — ESTABLISHES
people who are among the first to settle or develop a new area
Word definitions
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.
Connections #853 explained
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.
These words all describe something that is perpetual or unending, such as 'eternal' love or 'everlasting' memories.
These words all describe the act of starting or initiating something, such as 'begins' a new project or 'launches' a new business.
These words all describe different types of birds, such as 'kite' or 'robin'.
These words all complete the phrase 'happy ___', such as 'happy days' or 'happy ending'.
These words were designed to mislead you. Understanding why they don't belong where you first think sharpens your game for tomorrow.
Seems like it belongs to: ESTABLISHES
Actually belongs to: FOR ALL TIME
while 'permanent' can imply establishment, it actually belongs to the 'FOR ALL TIME' group due to its meaning of lasting forever
Seems like it belongs to: BIRDS
Actually belongs to: ESTABLISHES
although 'launches' can be related to birds taking flight, it actually belongs to the 'ESTABLISHES' group due to its meaning of starting or initiating something
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Seems like: ESTABLISHES → Actually: FOR ALL TIME
while 'permanent' can imply establishment, it actually belongs to the 'FOR ALL TIME' group due to its meaning of lasting forever
Seems like: BIRDS → Actually: ESTABLISHES
although 'launches' can be related to birds taking flight, it actually belongs to the 'ESTABLISHES' group due to its meaning of starting or initiating something