The New York Times Games’ word-sorting game called Connections has one of the most difficult challenges fans have ever seen with today’s puzzle. The words in this one are all insanely hard, and they don’t seem to want to fall into place no matter how long you look at them.
If you already know how to play Connections and are struggling, you are not alone at all. This one was really difficult, so this article is here to help you with hints and spoilers.
The best NES games for when you feel like testing your brain against some puzzles.
Words in the NYT Connections Puzzle #773 for July 23, 2025
The Connections puzzle for today contains the words: Tomahawk, Phantom, Geoduck, Bugbear, Escrow, Seahorse, Flatiron, Mortgage, Porterhouse, Bogeyman, Appraisal, Wombat, Hobgoblin, Titmouse, Chateaubriand, and Insurance.
What Is the Definition of Geoduck?
A geoduck, which is pronounced like “gooey duck,” is a type of edible clam found in mud in salt water.
What Is the Definition of Escrow?
According to Dictionary.com, escrow is a “contract, deed, bond, or other written agreement deposited with a third person, by whom it is to be delivered to the grantee or promisee on the fulfillment of some condition.”
What Is the Definition of Hobgoblin?
A hobgoblin can be either something that is mischievous, or it can be something that causes fear that isn’t real, like a bogeyman.
What Is the Definition of Titmouse?
A titmouse is a type of bird in the family Paridae.”
What Is the Definition of Chateaubriand?
François René Vicomte de Chateaubriand was a French author from the 1800s. There is also a cut of steak called the chateaubriand; it’s a thick-cut tenderloin.
Hints for the NYT Connections Puzzle
The sections below each contain a different type of clue or spoiler for this free-to-play game. Open them up with the Read More link to see what’s hidden inside each one.
Some General Hints for the Whole Connections Puzzle
1. Escrow and Geoduck do not go in the same group together.
2. None of the categories are about words that end in first names.
3. Tomahawk and Flatiron go in the same group.
Yellow NYT Connections Category Hints
Here are some hints for the yellow/straightforward answer: The monster under your bed, in your closet, or in the woods, perhaps.
Yellow Connections Category Answer
The category for the yellow/straightforward Connections is Dread-Inducing Figures.
Yellow Connections Category Answer and All Four Words
The answer to the yellow/straightforward Connections is Dread-Inducing Figures.
The four words for this group in the puzzle are: Bogeyman, Bugbear, Hobgoblin, Phantom.
Green NYT Connections Category Hints
Green Connections Category Answer
The category for the green/medium difficulty Connections is Kinds of Steaks.
Green Connections Category Answer and All Four Words
The answer to the green/medium difficulty Connections is Kinds of Steaks.
The four words for this group in the puzzle are: Chateaubriand, Flatiron, Porterhouse, Tomahawk.
Blue NYT Connections Category Hints
Here are some hints for the blue/difficult answer: Don’t forget moving, down payments, and house hunting!
Blue Connections Category Answer
The category for the blue/difficult Connections is Related to Buying a Home.
Blue Connections Category Answer and All Four Words
The answer to the blue/difficult Connections is Related to Buying a Home.
The four words for this group in the puzzle are: Appraisal, Escrow, Insurance, Mortgage.
Purple NYT Connections Category Hints
Purple Connections Category Answer
The category for the purple/tricky difficulty in Connections is Animals Ending With Animals.
Purple Connections Category Answer and All Four Words
The answer to the purple/tricky difficulty in Connections is Animals Ending With Animals.
The four words for this group in the puzzle are: Geoduck, Seahorse, Titmouse, Wombat.
Answers for Today’s NYT Connections #773 for July 23, 2025
Searching for more than just a hint? You can find the whole answer in the section below; peek inside to see what the answers to each grouping are in this minimalist puzzle game.
