Struggling to crack the code on today’s NYT Connections puzzle? You’re not alone. The Saturday edition of Connections often brings a higher level of difficulty, and puzzle #699 for May 10, 2025, is no exception. If you’re getting close but can’t quite seal the deal—or you’re completely stumped—we’ve got the clues and solutions to help you finish strong.
Let’s dive into the handcrafted hints, clever categories, and full answers to guide you through today’s challenge. Whether you’re just starting or trying to sort out that tricky final group, these NYT Connections hints for May 10 are just what you need.
What Is NYT Connections?
NYT Connections is a daily word game by The New York Times that tests your ability to group 16 words into 4 categories of four related terms. Each category shares a hidden connection—ranging from wordplay and common phrases to cultural references or grammatical groupings.
The challenge ramps up with each puzzle and is color-coded by difficulty:
- Yellow – Easy
- Green – Medium
- Blue – Hard
- Purple – Tricky or wordplay-based
Each guess matters—you only get four wrong tries. So if you’re feeling stuck, hints can help avoid losing lives and keep you on track for a clean win.
NYT Connections Hints for May 10, 2025
Need a gentle nudge without the full spoiler? Here are the category-level clues for today’s Connections puzzle:
- Yellow Group Hint: These words are commonly used to sign off at the end of a letter or email. Think courteous closings.
- Green Group Hint: All these words suggest something is missing, lacking, or simply not there.
- Blue Group Hint: This group is all about energy—words that shout liveliness, pep, or stamina.
- Purple Group Hint: Think about the phrase “_____ Strip.” These words all fit before or after “Strip” in a meaningful way.
Take a moment, reread the list, and try matching a few based on these clues. Need a boost? Keep scrolling for the full answers!
Also read: Quordle Today: Hints & Answers for May 10 | Daily Puzzle Guide
NYT Connections Answers for May 10, 2025
Here are the correct groupings for today’s puzzle #699:
Yellow – Letter Sign-offs
- BEST
- CHEERS
- LOVE
- SINCERELY
These are classic ways to wrap up emails or letters with warmth and politeness.
Green – Without
- ABSENT
- MINUS
- SANS
- WANTING
Each of these words implies absence, lack, or being without something.
Blue – Vigor/Energy
- BEANS
- ENERGY
- PEP
- ZIP
These terms all reflect a burst of liveliness, vitality, or movement. If someone has “a lot of zip” or “pep in their step,” you get the idea!
Purple – ____ Strip
- BACON
- COMIC
- LANDING
- SUNSET
This clever wordplay category relies on phrases. Think “bacon strip,” “comic strip,” “landing strip,” and “sunset strip.”
How to Play NYT Connections
Playing NYT Connections is simple in concept but tricky in execution. You start with a grid of 16 seemingly unrelated words. Your task is to group them into 4 sets of 4, with each group sharing a common link. When you think you’ve found a correct group, click on all four words and hit “Submit.”
If your guess is correct, those words will be locked in. Get it wrong, and you’ll lose one of your four lives. When you run out of lives, the game ends, but don’t worry—tomorrow is a fresh start!
Related:
Tips to Solve NYT Connections Faster
Here are some tried-and-true strategies for solving the daily puzzle:
- Scan for obvious groupings – Look for common phrases or themes (colors, foods, emotions).
- Say the words out loud – Hearing them can trigger connections you might not notice visually.
- Look for wordplay – The tricky Purple group often involves puns or double meanings.
- Use process of elimination – As you identify correct groups, the remaining options narrow down.
- Shuffle the grid – A different layout can spark new ideas.
Also read: NYT Mini Crossword Answers for May 10, 2025 – Full Solution
More NYT Games to Try
Love Connections? The New York Times offers several other addictive word and logic games:
- Wordle – Guess the five-letter word in six tries.
- Spelling Bee – Make as many words as possible from seven letters.
- The Mini Crossword – A quick daily crossword fix.
- Letter Boxed – Connect letters around a box to form words.
Each of these offers a unique challenge and helps keep your brain sharp.