The NYT Connections game is an engaging and challenging word puzzle that has captured the interest of many puzzle enthusiasts. Each day presents a new puzzle, and players must group words based on hidden connections.
This article will explain the four categories, helping you unravel the connections and complete the grid.
Also read: How to play NYT Connections? Tips and Tricks
Today’s words
Each puzzle consists of 16 words or phrases. Your task is to group these words into four sets of four based on common themes or connections. The connections can be anything from synonyms to related categories or even more abstract relationships. Here are today’s 16 words:
- PAN
- PILOT
- SHORT
- RABBIT
- CROSS
- PARKER
- KINKY
- TRIAL
- PIPER
- FIDDLER
- TESTY
- EXPLORATORY
- MERRILY
- SURLY
- PRELIMINARY
- JERSEY
Also read: NYT Connections Hint: July 15
Connections hint for today (July 16th, 2024)
Here are some subtle hints to help you form the connections without giving away the solution directly:
- Yellow group: This category describes a state we all experience sometimes. Words here will evoke emotions of annoyance or frustration.
- Green group: This theme is all about experimentation and those initial phases of exploration.
- Blue group: This category features words that initiate the titles of famous musicals.
- Purple group: The fourth category hinges on a name you might recognise from the comics.
SPOILER ALERT!
Connections categories for today (July 16th, 2024)
The NYT Connections puzzle offers challenges at different difficulty levels, identified by colours. Here’s a breakdown of today’s categories for today’s puzzle:
- Yellow category: IN A BAD MOOD
- Green category: EXPERIMENTAL
- Blue category: STARTS OF BROADWAY MUSICALS
- Purple category: PETER ___
SPOILER ALERT!
NYT Connections answers for July 16th
If you’re feeling particularly stumped, you can find the revealed answers below:
- Yellow group: CROSS, SHORT, SURLY, TESTY
- Green group: EXPLORATORY, PILOT, PRELIMINARY, TRIAL
- Blue group: FIDDLER, JERSEY, KINKY, MERRILY
- Purple group: PAN, PARKER, PIPER, RABBIT

The NYT Connections game is a fantastic way to sharpen your cognitive skills and enjoy some light-hearted competition. By using these hints and tips, you’ll be better equipped to tackle today’s puzzle for July 16.
Also read: NYT Connections Hint: July 14