New York: Every morning, millions of players from across the globe — students sipping iced coffee, moms in yoga pants, remote workers on their fifth break — open the New York Times Connections game like it’s a ritual. But June 28’s puzzle? Let’s just say it threw a few curveballs.
Whether you’re trying to hold on to your 38-day streak, or just trying not to rage-quit before your second coffee, today’s edition of Connections (#748) came with a mix of familiar themes and one purple category that stumped even seasoned solvers.
If you’re here for hints, clues, or the full answers, you’ve landed in the right grid.
Today’s NYT Connections Hints – June 28, 2025
Let’s decode the four mystery groups without spoiling the game immediately. Here’s your spoiler-light guide to nudging your brain in the right direction.
🟨 Yellow Group Hint: Think Dog Park Staples
What does your dog love playing with more than belly rubs?
🟩 Green Group Hint: Costly Mistakes Behind the Wheel
Ever had to deal with the aftermath of an expired parking meter?
🟦 Blue Group Hint: Overflowing Abundance
These words imply a whole lot of something — more than enough.
🟪 Purple Group Hint: Industrial-Era Icons
Channel your inner history buff: these names belong in a science textbook.
Full NYT Connections Answers for June 28 (#748)
Here are the answers grouped by color and theme:
| Color | Category | Words |
| 🟨 Yellow | Dog Toys |
Ball, Bone, Frisbee, Stick
|
| 🟩 Green | Traffic Violations |
Boot, Ticket, Tow, Points
|
| 🟦 Blue | A Lot Of Something |
Drove, Host, Load, Score
|
| 🟪 Purple | Inventors |
Singer, Watt, Diesel, Bell
|
What Made This Puzzle Interesting?
- Dog toys came quickly to many — a clean, satisfying match.
- Traffic violations weren’t hard if you’ve had a few frustrating mornings in the city.
- “A lot of…” had deceptively tricky word choices — “host” and “score” aren’t usually grouped together.
- The Inventors category was the day’s curveball. Unless you recalled Isaac Singer’s sewing machine or Bell’s telephone, it was tough.
NYT Connections Strategy: How to Win Every Day
Even tough puzzles can be decoded if you play smart. Here’s how high scorers keep their streaks alive:
1. Start With the Obvious Group
Yellow is always easiest. Words like ball and frisbee? Boom. Grouped.
2. Look for Word Multiples
“Tow” and “Boot”? You’re already picturing a city citation.
3. Shuffle the Grid
This is underrated. Rearranging helps spot fresh patterns.
4. Save Purple for Last
It’s almost always niche: mythology, brands, puns, or pop culture.
Why NYT Connections Has Everyone Hooked
It’s not just a game. It’s today’s version of a crossword coffee date.
You don’t need 20 minutes — just 5 will do.
It feels social, even when played alone.
It’s just hard enough to feel smart after solving.
