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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →New York Times Connections puzzle #617, from Monday, February 17, 2025, groups its 16 words around time off, winding routes, bowling results and words that precede “fish.” Start with the progressive hints below; the complete groupings are in the clearly marked spoiler section.
Hints for Connections #617
Use these nudges in order. Each points toward a category without immediately listing its four words.
- Think of a period away from work or other responsibilities.
- Look for a way to travel that does not follow a straight line.
- Consider terms for results in a particular sport.
- What words in the grid can come before “fish” to make familiar names?
These clues follow the hint sequence published by Parade for February 17, 2025; the archived puzzle page also gives short category prompts.
Answers for February 17, 2025 (spoilers)
The archived puzzle page identifies this as game #617. The four groups and their words are:
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Yellow — TIME OFF: BREAK, LEAVE, REST, VACATION.
- Green — FOLLOW A MEANDERING COURSE: CURVE, SNAKE, WEAVE, WIND.
- Blue — BOWLING RESULTS: DOUBLE, SPARE, STRIKE, TURKEY.
- Purple — ___FISH: BLOW, CAT, GOLD, SWORD.
The full word bank is BLOW, BREAK, CAT, CURVE, DOUBLE, GOLD, LEAVE, REST, SNAKE, SPARE, STRIKE, SWORD, TURKEY, VACATION, WEAVE and WIND. The category labels and groupings are recorded by WordHint’s February 17, 2025 archive and independently confirmed in Parade’s dated answer page.
Why the groups fit
Time away
A BREAK, LEAVE, REST or VACATION is time away from ordinary duties. The words differ in length and formality, but all can describe time off.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
A route that bends
To CURVE, SNAKE, WEAVE or WIND is to move along a non-straight course. The words can describe a path or the motion that follows it.
Bowling results
DOUBLE, SPARE, STRIKE and TURKEY are bowling terms. A double is two consecutive strikes; a spare and a strike are frame results, while a turkey is three consecutive strikes.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsRank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Words before “fish”
BLOW, CAT, GOLD and SWORD each form a fish name when placed before “fish”: blowfish, catfish, goldfish and swordfish. This final group relies on word combination rather than a shared action or result.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How Connections works
Connections asks players to sort 16 words into four sets of four that share a hidden link. The archived game description says players may make four mistakes before the game ends and that a new puzzle unlocks at midnight local time; those are mechanics described by that archive, not a statement about current access or subscription terms.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
A practical way to approach a grid
- First note words that appear to form an obvious group, but test each one against the whole grid.
- Check for multiple meanings. A word that seems to fit one category may belong somewhere else.
- If literal groupings stall, try a shared prefix, suffix or wordplay connection, as in this puzzle’s “___FISH” category.
- Before submitting, make sure all four words fit the same rule and that the remaining words can still form complete groups.
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