NYT Connections Hints and Answers for May 10, Puzzle #699

If you’re struggling with today’s New York Times Connections puzzle (#699), don’t worry — we’ve got you covered with helpful hints and all the answers below.

P.S. Looking for other puzzle help? Check out our daily guides for the NYT Mini Crossword, Wordle, Strands, and Connections: Sports Edition.

How Tricky Is Today’s Puzzle?

Today’s purple category is particularly challenging — one of those frustrating-but-clever types where the connection clicks only after you’ve seen it. Keep reading for clues to each color group and the full solution.

Fun fact: The NYT now has a Connections Bot (like Wordle’s), which analyzes your gameplay and tracks your stats — from streaks to perfect scores.

Clues for Today’s Connections (Ranked by Difficulty)

Yellow (Easiest): Ways to give recognition or kudos

Green: Something appropriate or fitting

Blue: Donut-related finishing touches

Purple (Hardest): A word that might relate to “buff”

Today’s Connections Answers (May 10, #699)

🟨 Yellow Group – Theme: Salute

Words: applaud, hail, honor, praise

🟩 Green Group – Theme: Suitable

Words: apt, fit, proper, right

🟦 Blue Group – Theme: Donut Finishing Verbs

Words: frost, glaze, powder, sprinkle

🟪 Purple Group – Theme: Meanings of “Buff”

Words: enthusiast, muscular, nude, polish

A Look Back: Some of the Trickiest Connections Ever

Want to sharpen your skills? Here are some of the toughest puzzles from the past:

#5: Things you can set — mood, record, table, volleyball

#4: One in a dozen — egg, juror, month, rose

#3: Streets on screen — Elm, Fear, Jump, Sesame

#2: Power ___ — nap, plant, Ranger, trip

#1: Things that can run — candidate, faucet, mascara, nose

Need help tomorrow? Be sure to check back for fresh hints and answers!

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