Monday, April 21st NYT Connections Puzzle: Complete Guide (#680)

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Post on Apr 22, 2025

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Unlock the Mystery: A Complete Guide to the April 21st NYT Connections Puzzle (#680)

The New York Times' daily Connections puzzle continues to challenge and delight word puzzle enthusiasts. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough and solution for puzzle #680, published on Monday, April 21st, helping you conquer this brain teaser and sharpen your word association skills. Whether you're a seasoned Connections pro or a curious newcomer, let's dive into the details!

Understanding the NYT Connections Puzzle

Before we tackle puzzle #680, let's quickly recap the rules. The goal is to find the single word that connects all four groups of words presented. This connecting word can be used in a phrase or idiom with each group, revealing the underlying theme. No obscure or overly technical connections are expected; the solution relies on common usage and understanding.

Puzzle #680: The Clues

Here are the four groups of words from the April 21st puzzle:

• Group 1: Clock, Watch, Hourglass
• Group 2: Marathon, Sprint, Relay
• Group 3: Sunrise, Sunset, Twilight
• Group 4: Piano, Violin, Drums

Cracking the Code: Finding the Connection

Thinking about the relationship between words in each group is key. Notice that each group shares a common theme: the passage of time. Let’s break it down:

• Group 1 (Clock, Watch, Hourglass): These are all instruments used to measure time.
• Group 2 (Marathon, Sprint, Relay): These are all types of races that take a significant amount of time to complete.
• Group 3 (Sunrise, Sunset, Twilight): These describe points in time during a day.
• Group 4 (Piano, Violin, Drums): While seemingly disparate at first, consider that musical pieces often take a specific amount of time to perform.

The Solution:

Considering the common theme across all four groups, the connecting word is TIME. Each group is intrinsically linked to the concept of time, whether it's measuring it, experiencing it, or representing it.

Tips and Strategies for Future Puzzles:

Solving the NYT Connections puzzle regularly can significantly improve your vocabulary and problem-solving abilities. Here are some helpful strategies:

• Look for common themes: Don't get bogged down in individual word relationships. Step back and search for overarching connections.
• Consider multiple meanings: Words can have multiple interpretations. Consider idiomatic expressions and metaphorical uses.
• Don't be afraid to brainstorm: Write down ideas, even if they seem far-fetched. This helps you explore different avenues.
• Practice makes perfect: The more you play, the better you'll become at identifying patterns and connections.

Conclusion:

The April 21st NYT Connections puzzle (#680) was a clever test of word association and analytical skills. By identifying the central theme of time, we successfully unlocked the solution. Keep practicing, and you'll soon be a Connections master! Check back for future guides to help you conquer the daily challenge. Happy puzzling!