January 1, 2024: Today’s Connections Clues & Solutions (Puzzle #570)

A new year has arrived, and so has a fresh Connections puzzle! This one’s a great way to kick things off, landing at a balanced difficulty level. A strong start can set the tone for the year, so you might find some hints helpful as you dive into the puzzle. Fortunately, this puzzle is straightforward, and with just a little guidance, you’ll be on your way in no time.

If you’re in the mood for a different puzzle experience this year, consider trying the NYT Mini Crossword. It captures the best features of traditional crossword puzzles while keeping it compact. You’ll appreciate its brevity and the right level of challenge to engage your mind without taking too long. While there are numerous puzzle alternatives available, this one is perfect if you’re short on time but still want that satisfying feeling once you’ve completed it.

Today’s Connections Category Hints

JANUARY 01 #570

Today’s categories offer a diverse mix, and some words may easily be mistaken for others. Nevertheless, certain terms resonate with the holiday vibe, which might lead to some mixed feelings as you work through the puzzle. A few clues can change your perspective significantly.

• One category focuses on a group of creatures sharing a similar characteristic
• One category is dedicated to items that illuminate the sky
• Another group consists of things specifically linked to a particular location
• The last group includes words that end with different terms but hold a similar meaning

To aid you further with today’s puzzle, we’ll begin with some category names and then provide complete hints if needed.

Today’s Connections Answers

JANUARY 01 #570

Yellow Answers: Revealed & Explained

This category was quite amusing, especially once I connected the dots. EARTHWORM stood out right away, and I quickly spotted SALAMANDER. SLUG was a breeze to identify too; oddly enough, it took me a moment to notice EEL. But once I did, I could wrap up that section and move to the next category. Overall, this was a delightful section for me!

Green Answers: Revealed & Explained

This category was quite fitting for today, reminiscent of the bright fireworks we enjoy. The moment I spotted FIREFLY and GLOWSTICK, it guided my thinking. As I searched for more luminous elements, AURORA was a relatively easy addition. RADIUM took just a little more thought but matched nicely. I loved reflecting on all the vivid colors before tackling the tougher parts of the puzzle.

Blue Answers: Revealed & Explained

I worked on this section last, having completed the purple category ahead of time. I encountered many water-related words in this part, which made it challenging to determine their connections. Yet, once I removed that option, I focused on the remaining words. I noticed that five words were clearly linked, leading me down the right path toward this conclusion.

Purple Answers: Revealed & Explained

I knew one word didn’t belong in the list of compound words. I focused on the endings more than the beginnings of the words. When I picked out “drop” and “fall,” I realized that “mill” stood out as the odd one out, so I dropped WINDMILL and was lucky to guess the rest correctly.

Other Games Like Connections

If you’re looking for a way to unwind today, take a look at the games listed below and see which one piques your interest.