closetjason60

Every week, players show just how creative they can be with their own Connections submissions, and this week was no exception. Our community came through with some smart, funny, and downright clever puzzles that gave us all something new to think about. If you're new to this, fan-made Connections are puzzles inspired by the popular word game found on https://connections-games.com/. But what makes nyt connections stand out is the personal touch players add—often relating to pop culture, daily life, or totally unexpected themes. One fun submission this week grouped words like “Bark,” “Leaf,” “Ring,” and “Root.” At first glance, it looked like a mix of random nature words, but the twist? They were all parts of a tree *and* names of Pokémon moves—a double-layered clue that impressed many fans. It sparked a conversation in the comments about how something can mean more than one thing depending on how you look at it. Another popular set came from a user who themed their puzzle around ‘90s snacks. Anyone who's been around long enough to remember Dunkaroos, Fruit Gushers, and Cosmic Brownies probably had a good nostalgic laugh. It’s cool to see how shared memories can bring people together—even in a word puzzle. A surprisingly tricky (and hilarious) group included “Piña,” “Cola,” “Da,” and “Rama.” The solution? They were all parts of catchy songs: “Piña Colada Song,” “Karma Chameleon,” “Da Doo Ron Ron.” It was a reminder that music lives rent-free in our brains more than we think. These fan-made puzzles highlight the creativity of the Connections community and show just how much variety one simple game can spark. And you don’t need to be a word expert to enjoy them—just some curiosity and a sense of humor. If you’re feeling inspired, grab a notepad and start thinking of your own word sets. Look around your kitchen, your bookshelf, or your playlist—anything could be a theme. Then share it with the community. Who knows? Your creation could end up being the next favorite submission of the week. Until then, keep solving, keep sharing, and keep connecting. It’s fun to see how other people’s minds work—and maybe even see a bit of yourself in their puzzles.