560th Crossword Answers for Dec 22, 2024, from NY Times

The NYT Connections puzzle for December 22nd, 2024, presents sixteen challenging words: Stats, Crown, Abbott, Elementary, Nun, Key, Dome, Abba, Laurel, Monk, Coconut, Fry, Skull, Bones, Kayak, and Kojak. This article provides hints and solutions to help you crack this brain teaser.

The puzzle requires grouping these words into categories with minimal errors, relying solely on the words themselves. If you're stuck, assistance is available below in the form of general hints, category-specific clues, and ultimately, the complete solution.

Understanding "Kojak"

Kojak, a key word in the puzzle, refers to the American crime drama series of the same name, originally broadcast in the 1970s and later remade.

Hints and Solutions

To avoid spoiling the entire puzzle, hints are provided in expandable sections.

General Hint: Consider the word's common associations and multiple interpretations. Think beyond the obvious.

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Think about things that are found in pairs, things associated with the head, and things related to religious orders.

Yellow Category Clue: Focus on comedic pairings or duos known for their shared performances or associations.

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This category focuses on comedic duos. The words are: Abba, Laurel, and Kojak (referencing the comedic duo of "Laurel and Hardy").

Purple Category Clue: Think about terms associated with the structure or shape of the human head.

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This category relates to parts of the head. The words are: Crown, Skull, and Dome.

Complete Solution (Spoiler Alert!)

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The solution typically involves three categories. Beyond the Yellow and Purple categories already revealed, a third category could group words relating to religious orders or figures: Nun, Monk, and Abbott. The remaining words (Stats, Elementary, Key, Coconut, Fry, Bones, Kayak) might be grouped based on a less immediately obvious relationship, perhaps involving word structure or other subtle connections. The exact grouping of this final category may depend on the specific rules of the game.

Remember, the beauty of Connections lies in the challenge of finding unexpected relationships between seemingly disparate words. Good luck!