May 22 is not a unique date for NYT Connections: search listings identify boards for both 2025 and 2026. The answer groups below are for May 22, 2025. If you meant the 2026 board, these are not its answers. Stop at the hint level you want before opening the spoiler sections.
Hints for the May 22, 2025 Connections board
Try these broad clues first. They reveal the themes without listing the category names or tiles.
- One group concerns small qualifications or conditions attached to meaning.
- One group is made up of fictional figures with green skin.
- One group points to landmarks or features around a well-known area in Washington, D.C.
- One group includes figures associated with posing riddles.
Category names
Open only when you are ready to see the four group themes.
- Fine print
- Characters with green skin
- Features of the National Mall in D.C.
- Famous riddle-givers
Full answers for May 22, 2025
Spoilers: The table gives all 16 tiles and their intended groups.
#1 Best Overall
| Category | Tiles |
|---|---|
| Fine print | ASTERISK, CATCH, CONDITION, STRINGS |
| Characters with green skin | ELPHABA, GRINCH, HULK, SHREK |
| Features of the National Mall in D.C. | CAPITOL, MALL, OBELISK, POOL |
| Famous riddle-givers | BRIDGE TROLL, MAD HATTER, RIDDLER, SPHINX |
Why a couple of groups can be tricky
POOL and the National Mall
POOL refers to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, a feature of the National Mall area. The category is about landmarks and features in that setting, not four names for the Mall itself.
Elphaba and the riddle-givers
Elphaba is the green-skinned character from Wicked. The riddle-giver group combines figures from different stories and traditions: the bridge troll, Mad Hatter, Riddler and Sphinx.
Rank #2
Which May 22 puzzle is this?
The date alone does not identify one board. TechRadar’s search listing also identifies a May 22, 2026 game, but the 2025 answers above do not establish the 2026 board’s answers. The sources that list the 2025 groups agree on the tiles and categories but disagree about that board’s puzzle number, so no number is given here.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When Connections resets and how to play an older board
The New York Times Help Center says, “The daily Connections game is released daily at midnight in your timezone.” Its Connections help page also says eligible All Access and Games subscribers can use the archive to play past puzzles dating back to June 12, 2023. Archive play affects some statistics, but not streaks.
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