NYT Connections Puzzle #786: Hints, Answers, and Strategies for August 5, 2025
NYT Connections Puzzle #786 for August 5, 2025, features clever word groupings involving transport, tools, snowman parts, and compound word types. Check hints, answers, and strategies to solve it faster.
The New York Times' Connections puzzle challenges players to group 16 words into four themed categories—today’s puzzle includes everything from public transport terms to snowman accessories.

The New York Times’ Connections puzzle has quickly become a daily brain teaser of choice for word game enthusiasts, offering a fresh challenge each day with its unique mix of logic, vocabulary, and lateral thinking. Puzzle #786, released on August 5, 2025, delivered a particularly engaging experience, testing players’ ability to identify hidden relationships among seemingly unrelated words.
What Is NYT Connections?
Unlike traditional word games, Connections tasks players with grouping 16 words into four logical categories of four words each. These categories can involve synonyms, themes, compound words, cultural references, or creative associations. The difficulty increases gradually with color-coded levels:
- Yellow (easy)
- Green and Blue (moderate)
- Purple (hardest)
Hints for NYT Connections – August 5, 2025
Need a gentle nudge? Here are category-level hints for today’s puzzle:
- Yellow – Common forms of public transportation
- Green – Tools you might use to prepare food
- Blue – Items associated with building a snowman
- Purple – Words that can be paired with “time,” “spaghetti,” or “bar”
Today's Categories and Answers
Here’s the breakdown of today’s puzzle, along with the correct groupings:
Yellow Group – Transport:
METRO, SUBWAY, TUBE, UNDERGROUND
Green Group – Tools:
CUBE, GRATE, MINCE, SLICE
Blue Group – Snowman Components:
CARROT, COAL, PIPE, SCARF
Purple Group – Types (as in compound words):
DRESS, HEALTH, SECRET, ZIP
(Can form: dress code, health bar, secret time, zip file, etc.)
How To Play NYT Connections
- Analyze the Grid: Begin by examining all 16 words for patterns.
- Make Guesses: Select four words that seem related and hit Submit.
- Get Feedback: Correct groupings are locked with color tags.
- Watch Your Lives: You have four attempts. Use them wisely.
- Finish the Puzzle: Group all 16 correctly to win.
Strategies to Solve Connections
- Start with the most obvious or literal groups.
- After a correct guess, mentally eliminate those words.
- Consider compound words, pop culture, or phrases.
- Be open to abstract or unexpected connections.
- Learn from mistakes to spot tougher groupings later.
Why Connections Is So Addictive
Part of the puzzle's charm lies in its ability to combine vocabulary with clever themes. Whether it’s referencing pop culture, grammar, or daily life, Connections keeps players on their toes with a daily mix of fun and challenge. The simplicity of the interface and short playtime also contribute to its viral appeal.
New puzzles are released every midnight via the New York Times website and app.