How to Spot the Purple Category in NYT Connections Every Time

The New York Times Connections puzzle is famous for its deceptive "red herrings"—boards where 5 or 6 words appear to fit the same category (such as five different Pixar movies or five shades of blue). Before locking in an obvious Yellow or Green group, scan the board for the Purple Category first.

The 5 Classic Purple Group Patterns

• 1. Missing Prefix / Suffix ("___ Word"): Four seemingly unrelated words that all follow or precede the same hidden word (e.g., BATH, BURN, DIAL, FLOWER all follow SUN).
• 2. Hidden Words Inside Words: Look at the first three or last three letters of long words (e.g., words starting with musical notes like DOLLAR, REASON, MIRROR, FATHER).
• 3. Homophones: Words that sound like letters, numbers, or animals when spoken aloud (e.g., BARE, DEAR, HIRE, MOOSE).
• 4. Anagrams or Palindromes: Four words that can be rearranged into planets, colors, or body parts.
• 5. Plus/Minus One Letter: Existing words with a single letter added or removed.