Connections is back with another set of words for you to sort. Your task is to place each word into one of four hidden categories, using only the words themselves as clues.
Even seasoned players can find themselves stuck on this puzzle. If you need a nudge in the right direction, the guide below contains all the hints and solutions you'll need.
Words in the NYT Connections Puzzle #575 for January 6, 2025

Today's Connections puzzle features these words: Blanket, Boot, Breeze, Rum, Picnic, Pant, Umbrella, Pie, Heave, Ars, ABC, General, Broad, Gasp, But, and Puff.
What is the Definition of Ars?
ARS is an acronym for various organizations, but knowing its definition won't help you solve today's puzzle.
Hints for the NYT Connections Puzzle
If you're seeking a few clues for this mobile puzzle, explore the collapsible sections below. Click the "read more" button under each one for a peek inside.
Some General Hints for the Whole Connections Puzzle

Here are some broad hints:
1. None of the categories relate to rainy day essentials.
2. None of the categories are about wind or outdoor air movement.
3. The words "Ars" and "But" belong in the same group.
read moreYellow NYT Connections Category Hints

Here's a hint for the yellow (straightforward) category in this browser-friendly game: Think of the phrase, "Give me a moment to catch my breath!"
read moreYellow Connections Category Answer

The yellow (straightforward) category is: Breathe Hard.
read moreYellow Connections Category Answer and All Four Words

The answer for the yellow category is: Breathe Hard.
The four words in this group are: Gasp, Heave, Pant, Puff.
read moreGreen NYT Connections Category Hints

Here's a hint for the green (medium difficulty) category: Something that is wide-ranging and all-encompassing.
read moreGreen Connections Category Answer

The green (medium difficulty) category is: Catchall.
read moreGreen Connections Category Answer and All Four Words

The answer for the green category is: Catchall.
The four words in this group are: Blanket, Broad, General, Umbrella.
read moreBlue NYT Connections Category Hints

Here's a hint for the blue (difficult) category: This will be as simple as ____!
read moreBlue Connections Category Answer

The blue (difficult) category is: Metaphors for Easy Things.
read moreBlue Connections Category Answer and All Four Words

The answer for the blue category is: Metaphors for Easy Things.
The four words in this group are: ABC, Breeze, Picnic, Pie.
read morePurple NYT Connections Category Hints

Here's a hint for the purple (tricky) category in this minimalist game: Other examples that could fit here: Sea, As.
read morePurple Connections Category Answer

The purple (tricky) category is: Synonyms for Rear End Minus Last Letter.
read morePurple Connections Category Answer and All Four Words

The answer for the purple category is: Synonyms for Rear End Minus Last Letter.
The four words in this group are: ARS, Boot, But, Rum.
read moreAnswers for Today's NYT Connections #575 for January 6, 2025
Looking for the complete solution to this mind-bending puzzle? The section below reveals all categories and their corresponding words.

- Yellow - Breathe Hard: Gasp, Heave, Pant, Puff
- Green - Catchall: Blanket, Broad, General, Umbrella
- Blue - Metaphors for Easy Things: ABC, Breeze, Picnic, Pie
- Purple - Synonyms for Rear End Minus Last Letter: ARS, Boot, But, Rum
read moreReady to play? Visit the New York Times Games Connections website, accessible on nearly any device with a web browser.