The New York Times Connections puzzle for June 13 was both fun and a little tricky. In this daily word game, players are shown 16 words and must group them into four categories of four related terms. Each category is tied together by a common theme—sometimes it’s very obvious, like music or food, and other times, it requires deeper thinking. The goal is to find all four groups without making more than four mistakes. Many players enjoy the challenge because it tests both general knowledge and word association skills.
Today’s puzzle featured a mix of cultural references and wordplay. One category focused on famous songs from the year 1998, including “Closing Time,” “Iris,” “One Week,” and “Too Close.” Another group featured items found in an ice cream shop, such as “cone,” “cup,” “scoop,” and “little spoon.” These words were easier to link for players familiar with everyday experiences.
A third category dealt with perspective or ways of seeing things. It included words like “angle,” “lens,” “bent,” and “point of view.” These are all terms used when discussing how something is viewed, either physically or mentally. Finally, the fourth group used a common phrase format—“Hot ___.” Words like “dog,” “potato,” “rod,” and “water bottle” fit this theme, completing the set.
For many, recognizing the “Hot ___” category was the toughest. While the other sets had clearer connections, this one relied on familiarity with idioms and phrases. Still, the challenge is what keeps the game exciting and popular.
Highlights from Today’s Puzzle
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1998 Song Titles:
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Closing Time
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Iris
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One Week
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Too Close
These were some of the most played songs in 1998 and remain popular today.
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Ice Cream Shop Items:
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Cone
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Cup
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Scoop
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Little Spoon
These items are commonly seen at dessert parlors and were a clear match.
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Perspective Words:
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Lens
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Angle
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Bent
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Point of View
These relate to how people or tools view or interpret things.
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Hot ___ Wordplay:
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Dog
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Potato
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Rod
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Water Bottle
This category was built around phrases that start with “Hot.”
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Players are encouraged to start with the most obvious connections before tackling the harder or abstract categories. Shuffling the word board or reading the terms out loud can also help in spotting hidden links. With only four chances to make a mistake, careful thinking is key to solving the puzzle.
This puzzle continues to be a favorite for people who enjoy language games. It offers a fun way to use logic, memory, and creativity all at once. The growing popularity of NYT Connections also shows how many readers enjoy this short but thoughtful daily brain exercise.
