Editorial policy
Hints are only useful if they are accurate and don't give away more than you asked for. This page explains how we make sure of both.
How each puzzle page is made
- The puzzle is solved and checked in the official game before anything is published. Answers are never taken on trust from another source.
- Hints are written for that day's grid. Each group gets two nudges that avoid naming the group's own words, then the group name, then the full answer with an explanation.
- Word meanings and traps are added for unfamiliar words and for the red herrings most likely to cost you a mistake.
- Each puzzle gets a difficulty rating from 1 to 5 on our own scale.
- A final check confirms the date, puzzle number, spelling and that nothing above the answer section gives the groups away.
Use of AI tools
We sometimes use AI tools to suggest first drafts of hints or explanations. Every published line is reviewed and rewritten or approved by Alan, and every answer is verified in the official game. AI tools are never used to generate puzzle answers, and pages are never published automatically.
Spoiler safety
- Nothing that identifies a group appears above the hint section.
- Hints, group names and answers stay hidden until you open them.
- Archive listings use spoiler-free descriptions.
Corrections
If we get something wrong, we fix it as soon as it is confirmed and update the page's "updated" date. Report errors through the contact page.
Independence and advertising
Connections Hint Daily is independent and is not affiliated with The New York Times. The site may show advertising to cover its costs. Ads are always clearly labelled, kept apart from hints and buttons, and never influence what we write.