The Ultimate Guide to Unlocking NYT Connections #585

Connections returns with another brain-teaser! To win, you must categorize sixteen words with fewer than four errors. The words themselves are your only clues.

If you're familiar with Connections, you know the challenge. This guide offers hints, solutions, and category clues to help you conquer this puzzle.

Words in NYT Connections Puzzle #585 (January 16, 2025):

Market, Switch, Plant, Mall, Trade, Gym, Outlet, Asset, Rug, Business, Mole, Sconce, Pack, Agent, Baseboard, Commerce

Hints & Solutions:

General Hints:

1. These aren't typical errand locations or shops.
2. "Asset" and "Mole" belong together.
3. "Mall" and "Pack" share a category.

Yellow Category (Easy):

Hint: Economic transactions.

Yellow Category Solution:

Buying and Selling: Business, Commerce, Market, Trade

Green Category (Medium):

Hint: Consider fireplaces, TVs, windows, or crown molding.

Green Category Solution:

Installed On a Wall: Baseboard, Outlet, Sconce, Switch

Blue Category (Hard):

Hint: Think "informer" or "operative."

Blue Category Solution:

Spy: Agent, Asset, Mole, Plant

Purple Category (Tricky):

Hint: Each word can be followed by a three-letter animal to form a common phrase.

Purple Category Solution:

___ Rat: Gym, Mall, Pack, Rug

Complete Solutions:

• Yellow: Buying and Selling: Business, Commerce, Market, Trade
• Green: Installed On a Wall: Baseboard, Outlet, Sconce, Switch
• Blue: Spy: Agent, Asset, Mole, Plant
• Purple: ___ Rat: Gym, Mall, Pack, Rug

Ready to play? Visit the New York Times Games Connections website on your preferred device.