Guest Contributor: Usman Ishaq
Word games are addictive, challenging, and a great way to sharpen your mind. If you love the NY Times' Connections game, you're probably looking for similar games that test your vocabulary, pattern recognition, and critical thinking skills.
Good news! We’ve compiled 12 fantastic word games that will keep you entertained every day. Whether you enjoy categorizing words, solving anagrams, or cracking daily word puzzles, these games offer the perfect mix of fun and mental exercise.
What is Connections?
Before we explore the best alternatives, let’s take a quick look at Connections, the popular NY Times word game.
Connections is a daily word puzzle where players are given a set of 16 words and must group them into four sets of four based on common themes. The themes can range from:
- Synonyms (big, large, huge, enormous)
- Movie genres (horror, thriller, comedy, drama)
- Rhyming words (moon, spoon, tune, dune)
- Hidden patterns (words with double letters: coffee, butter, letter, pepper)
The challenge? Some words belong to multiple possible groups, and the game often throws in tricky decoys to mislead you.
Since Connections only offers one puzzle per day, many players look for similar word games to enjoy throughout the day. Below are 12 fantastic alternatives you can play right now!
Hurdle (Must-Play Game)
If you enjoy daily word challenges, Hurdle is a must-try. It’s like Wordle but with a unique twist.
- You get five Wordle-style puzzles in one game
- Each round gives you hints to solve the next one
- By the final puzzle, you have to combine all previous words to solve the grand challenge
It’s a progressive word puzzle that keeps your brain engaged from start to finish.
Categories
If you love the word grouping aspect of Connections, Categories is right up your alley.
- You are given a list of words
- Your goal? Sort them into different categories before time runs out
- Some words may belong to multiple groups, making the game tricky and exciting
It’s a fast-paced, brain-teasing game that trains your ability to recognize patterns quickly.
Scramble Words
Love anagrams? Scramble Words challenges you to:
- Rearrange jumbled letters to form correct words
- Find hidden bonus words for extra points
- Beat the timer to challenge yourself
It’s a great way to boost your vocabulary and spelling skills while having fun!
Outspell
If you enjoy Scrabble or Words with Friends, Outspell is the perfect game for you.
- Place letters on a board to form words
- Earn points based on word difficulty and tile placement
- Compete against the computer at different skill levels
Unlike Scrabble, Outspell gives you built-in hints and unlimited practice, making it a great way to sharpen your word-building skills.
Daily Word Search
Daily Word Search offers a fresh puzzle every day with fun themes and word lists.
- Find hidden words in a grid of letters
- Words can be placed horizontally, vertically, or diagonally
- Themed puzzles make it even more engaging (e.g., sports, movies, holidays)
It’s the perfect relaxing brain workout for word lovers.
Daily Crossword
Nothing beats the classic crossword puzzle for word enthusiasts.
- Solve a new crossword every day
- Clues range from simple definitions to clever wordplay
- Hints help you keep going without frustration
Perfect for those who love word challenges that test both vocabulary and trivia knowledge.
Wordle
The viral word game hit that took the internet by storm.
- You have six chances to guess a five-letter word
- Green letters = Correct letter, correct spot
- Yellow letters = Correct letter, wrong spot
It’s simple, addictive, and a daily habit for millions of players.
Spelling Bee
If you love word formation games, Spelling Bee is a must-play.
- You get seven letters arranged in a honeycomb shape
- Your task? Create as many words as possible using these letters
- The longer the word, the more points you earn!
It combines creativity and word knowledge, making it one of the most engaging daily word games.
Codeword
- Similar to crosswords, but without clues
- Each letter is assigned a unique number
- Your job? Crack the code by figuring out which number represents which letter
It's an excellent puzzle for lovers of pattern recognition.
Word Wipe
- A fast-paced word search game
- Find and swipe words to clear the grid
- Score points based on word length and difficulty
If you love speed-based word puzzles, this game is for you.
Ruzzle
- A competitive word-finding game
- You play against an opponent to find as many words as possible in 2 minutes
- Quick-thinking and fast typing are key
Perfect for word puzzle fans who love a good challenge.
7 Little Words
- You get seven word clues and tiles with random letters
- Your task? Piece together the correct words
- A mix of crossword-style clues and word scrambles
Perfect for those who enjoy word puzzles with a twist.
Final Thoughts
Love Connections? These 12 word games will keep your brain sharp, challenge your vocabulary, and provide endless fun.
Now, over to you:
- Which game is your favorite?
- Do you have any strategies for solving Connections?
Drop your tips in the comments below!
Happy gaming!
Category: Word Games