NYT Connections: See hints and answers for November 16

Everything you need to solve 'Connections' #158.
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'
Credit: Credit: The New York Times; Shutterstock / Piyaboot Jaikamlue

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for November 16's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

  • Yellow: Boomer curse words

  • Green: To be in charge

  • Blue: Animal plurals

  • Purple: "Great" things and places

Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: Balderdash

  • Green: Helm

  • Blue: Single/Plural Animals

  • Purple: Great___

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to Connections #158 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

  • Balderdash: BULL, HOGWASH, NONSENSE, ROT

  • Helm: DIRECT, GUIDE, LEAD, STEER

  • Single/Plural Animals: BUFFALO, DEER, FISH, MOOSE

  • Great___: DANE, LAKE, SEAL, WHITE

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday's Connections.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

Recommended deals for you

HBO Max — top pick for premium content

Disney+ — best for families

Hulu — popular choice for originals

Peacock — low-cost choice for live sport

Products available for purchase through affiliate links. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.

Topics Connections

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 11, 2026
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 12, 2026
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 13, 2026
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 14, 2026
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 15, 2026
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

More in Entertainment
How to watch Real Madrid vs. Villarreal in La Liga online for free
Jude Bellingham on the ball for Real Madrid

How to watch Barcelona vs. Getafe in La Liga online for free
Lamie Yamal celebrates for Barcelona

How to watch PSG vs. Le Mans online for free
 Desire Doue of Paris Saint-Germain runs with the ball

How to watch Deportivo Aláves vs. Atlético Madrid online for free
Jonathan David of Atletico Madrid celebrates

How to watch Augsburg vs. Bayern Munich online for free
Harry Kane takes a penalty for Bayern Munich

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 10, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

How can 'Ted Lasso' fix itself?
Tanya Reynolds, Jason Sudeikis, and Brendan Hunt in "Ted Lasso."

NYT Strands hints, answers for October 10, 2026
A game being played on a smartphone.

Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 10, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

The latest Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra rumors and leaks: Everything we know so far
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra