NYT Connections #585 Hints & Answers: Jan 16 Puzzle

Test your problem-solving skills with today's challenging Connections puzzle. To solve it, you'll need to correctly categorize all sixteen words with fewer than four mistakes - using only the words themselves as clues.

If you're new to Connections, be prepared for a tough mental workout. Need assistance? We've got hints, category clues, spoilers, and complete solutions to help you crack today's puzzle.

Today's Puzzle Words (January 16, 2025)

• Market
• Switch
• Plant
• Mall
• Trade
• Gym
• Outlet
• Asset
• Rug
• Business
• Mole
• Sconce
• Pack
• Agent
• Baseboard
• Commerce

Helpful Hints

General Clues

• None represent typical shopping destinations
• "Asset" and "Mole" belong together
• "Mall" and "Pack" share a category

Yellow Category (Easiest)

Theme: Economic activities

Solution: Buying and Selling (Business, Commerce, Market, Trade)

Green Category (Medium)

Theme: Wall-mounted items (like fireplaces or crown molding)

Solution: Installed On a Wall (Baseboard, Outlet, Sconce, Switch)

Blue Category (Difficult)

Theme: Espionage terms (informer, operative)

Solution: Spy (Agent, Asset, Mole, Plant)

Purple Category (Trickiest)

Theme: Words that form common phrases when combined with "rat"

Solution: ___ Rat (Gym, Mall, Pack, Rug)

Complete Answer Key

Play the daily Connections puzzle on the New York Times Games website - accessible from most web browsers.