The New York Times Games presents Connections, a daily word puzzle—even on Christmas Eve! Need a hand solving this relaxing brain teaser? This guide offers hints, clues, and even spoilers to help you conquer today's puzzle, Connections #562 (December 24, 2024).

Today's Words in NYT Connections Puzzle #562

The puzzle includes: Lions, Tigers, Bears, Oh My, Dear, Jays, Bills, Use, Bye, Bees, Please, Close, Tight, Gimme, Ease, and Intimate.

Hints and Clues for NYT Connections

Below are hints, ranging from subtle suggestions to partial spoilers. The full solution is at the very end.

General Hints:

1. No groups focus on sports teams.
2. No groups are solely about animal types.
3. "Bye" and "Gimme" belong together.

Yellow Category Hints (Easy):

Think of a famous phrase from The Wizard of Oz.

Yellow Category Answer & Words:

The answer is "Lions, Tigers, and Bears, Oh My!" The words are: Bears, Lions, Oh My, Tigers.

Green Category Hints (Medium):

Consider words describing close friendships.

Green Category Answer & Words:

The answer is "Beloved, as a Friend." The words are: Close, Dear, Intimate, Tight.

Blue Category Hints (Hard):

Think of words that sound like the plural forms of letters. Consider these examples: Seas, Geeze, Eyes.

Blue Category Answer & Words:

The answer is "Words that Sound Like Plural Letters." The words are: Bees, Ease, Jays, Use.

Purple Category Hints (Tricky):

Hint: These words, when tripled, form the titles of famous songs. Think song titles.

Purple Category Answer & Words:

The answer is **"When Tripled, Hit Song