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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →NYT Connections puzzle #821 is the edition dated Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Below are four graduated hints, the complete 16-word board and—after a spoiler warning—the verified groups and answers.
Hints for Connections #821
Try these in order; each gives away a little more about the four groups without naming them.
- One group means ended or reached the end.
- One group has a hard or protective outer coating.
- One group is about swallowing or drinking quickly.
- For the last group, add a word opposite to “cat.”
The 16 words on the board
SLUG, EGG, COMPLETE, BULL, LAP, SNAIL, WATCH, BELT, OVER, UNDER, THROUGH, HARD TACO, DONE, GULP, M&M, SHOT.
Full answers (spoilers)
Warning: the category names and complete solutions are below.
#1 Best Overall
- FINISHED: COMPLETE, DONE, OVER, THROUGH. Each can mean ended or brought to completion.
- THINGS WITH SHELLS: EGG, HARD TACO, M&M, SNAIL. Each has a shell or outer coating.
- SWIG: BELT, GULP, SHOT, SLUG. Each can refer to a drink or a way of drinking.
- ___ DOG: BULL, LAP, UNDER, WATCH. Add “dog” to make bull dog, lap dog, underdog and watchdog.
What Connections is
Connections asks players to sort 16 words into four groups of four, with color-coded difficulty levels. TechRadar’s September 8, 2025 guide described play through NYT Games on desktop or mobile and said players could make up to four mistakes. Access details and game features can change. This historical answer guide is for the September 9, 2025 board, not a claim about the current daily puzzle.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Sources for the answer key
Parade and TechRadar published matching category labels and word groups for puzzle #821; Insider Gaming also covered the board and clues. These are guide cross-checks, not an official NYT answer release.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Parade’s September 9, 2025 Connections guide
- TechRadar’s September 8, 2025 guide
- Insider Gaming’s September 8, 2025 guide
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
