Connections is an engaging daily word puzzle developed by the New York Times Games. To win, players must classify a set of words into their respective categories, all while working against a limited number of attempts. It’s a fun yet challenging experience that tests your vocabulary and critical thinking skills.
For seasoned players, navigating the Connections puzzle can sometimes feel overwhelming. In the following sections, we’ll offer valuable insights and tips to help you successfully conquer today’s challenge.
Words in the NYT Connections Puzzle #556 for December 18, 2024

Today’s Connections puzzle includes the following words: Tackle, Teapot, Hold, Onion, Short, Field, Stout, Hedge, Handle, Sour, Trade, Capitol, Bitter, Chrome, Manage, Bock.
What is a Bock?
A bock refers to “a strong, dark beer traditionally brewed in the fall and aged through the winter for enjoyment the following spring,” as defined by Dictionary.com.
Hints for the NYT Connections Puzzle
If you find yourself in need of assistance, each section below offers hints and clues to guide you through today’s puzzle.
General Hints for the Entire Connections Puzzle

Consider these prompts as you play:
- None of the categories pertain to software or computer programs.
- Categories will not be related to various types of plants or botanical environments.
- Chrome and Onion share a common group.
Hints for the Yellow Connections Category

The guiding theme for this straightforward answer is: To take care of.
Yellow Connections Category Answer

The category for the yellow Connections is Deal With.
Complete Yellow Connections Category Details

The four words that belong to this group today are: Field, Handle, Manage, Tackle.
Hints for the Green Connections Category

The theme for this medium difficulty answer revolves around: Fermented hops with different flavors.
Green Connections Category Answer

The category for the green Connections is Styles of Beer.
Complete Green Connections Category Details

The four words included in this group are: Bitter, Bock, Sour, Stout.
Hints for the Blue Connections Category

This difficult answer relates to: Playing the stock market.
Blue Connections Category Answer

The category for the blue Connections is Investment Verbs.
Complete Blue Connections Category Details

The words included in this group are: Hedge, Hold, Short, Trade.
Hints for the Purple Connections Category

This tricky answer hints at: All four of these words can be followed by the same four-letter word to create common phrases.
Purple Connections Category Answer

The category for the purple Connections is ____ Dome.
Complete Purple Connections Category Details

The words for this group include: Capitol, Chrome, Onion, Teapot.
Answers for Today’s NYT Connections #556 for December 18, 2024
If you’re eager to reveal all categories and their corresponding words from today’s New York Times Connections puzzle, continue reading below.

- Yellow – Deal With: Field, Handle, Manage, Tackle
- Green – Styles of Beer: Bitter, Bock, Sour, Stout
- Blue – Investment Verbs: Hedge, Hold, Short, Trade
- Purple – ____ Dome: Capitol, Chrome, Onion, Teapot
Ready to challenge yourself?