Best Alternatives to NYT Connections If You Like Word Games

13 January 2026

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"If you’ve been hooked on NYT Connections lately, you’re not alone. It’s a fun and satisfying puzzle where you sort words into groups that share a common theme. But after you've played the day’s puzzle, what do you do next? If you're itching for more word games that get your brain working, there are plenty of great options out there. For links and examples of some of these games, you can look at this site, where fans discuss their favorites.

One great pick is *Wordle*. You've probably heard of it—guess a five-letter word in six tries. It's short and sweet, but still gives your brain a good stretch. It’s perfect if you enjoy finding patterns and making smart guesses.

Another fun option is *Spelling Bee*. Also by the New York Times, this one challenges you to make as many words as possible using a set of seven letters. The twist is that one of the letters must be in every word. You don’t need a huge vocabulary to enjoy it, and it's satisfying to keep inching closer to the word count goal.

If you like the grouping side of Connections, you might want to try *Red Herring*. Here, you also sort words into categories, but with the added trick of ‘red herrings’—words meant to throw you off. It’s a fun challenge that makes you think in new ways.

Then there’s *Squabble*, a fast-paced multiplayer version of Wordle. You battle against real people in real time, guessing words quickly to stay in the game. If you like a bit of friendly pressure, this one can be a real rush.
https://connections-games.com/
Another creative game is *Waffle*. You swap letters around to create words both across and down in a waffle-shaped grid. You get a limited number of moves, so it’s all about thinking ahead.

Finally, for something a bit different, there’s *Absurdle*. Unlike Wordle, Absurdle changes the answer as you guess, trying to make the game last as long as possible. It’s silly, a little frustrating, and totally addictive.

If you’re a fan of brain puzzles and word games, it’s nice to have a few to rotate through. Whether you play just one a day or go through several in a row, these games keep things fresh and fun. Give a few of them a try and see which ones you like best!"

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