NYT Connections Answer & Hints for August 25, 2025 — Puzzle #806

Stuck on today’s Connections? Below you’ll find an intro, full definitions for every word, spoiler-light hints, category titles, one word per category, and the full solution.

Jump to:

About Today’s Connections Puzzle

Puzzle #806 (published August 25, 2025) combines everyday predicaments, tiny spherical things, pipe-smoking gear, and the many meanings of “down.” Expect some sneaky purple traps today!

Definitions of the 16 Words

Alphabetical to avoid hinting at categories:

Word	Short definition
FEATHERS	Light, fluffy growths on birds; “down feathers” are the soft insulating kind.
FILTER	A device or material that removes impurities; in smoking, used to filter smoke.
FIX	A difficult or tricky situation; also means to repair something.
GUZZLE	To drink greedily or excessively; e.g. “to down a drink.”
JAM	A problematic situation; also a sweet fruit preserve.
LIGHTER	A small device producing flame, used to ignite tobacco products.
MESS	A situation that is disorganized or troublesome; a predicament.
MOTHBALL	A small ball containing chemicals to repel moths and insects from clothing.
PEA	A small round green seed eaten as a vegetable.
PEARL	A smooth, round gem formed inside oysters and other mollusks.
PICKLE	A difficult situation; also a cucumber preserved in brine or vinegar.
PIPE CLEANER	A flexible brush or wire tool for cleaning a smoking pipe’s stem.
POM-POM	A fluffy ball made of yarn or fabric, often used as decoration.
SAD	Feeling sorrow or unhappiness; “feeling down.”
TAMPER	A tool for pressing tobacco down inside a pipe bowl.
WILLING	Ready or prepared to do something; “down to help” means willing.