NYT Connections Answer & Hints for September 14, 2025 — Puzzle #826

Stuck on today’s Connections? Below you’ll find an explanation of the puzzle, quick definitions for every word, gentle hints, the exact category titles, a single “nudge” word from each group, and (hidden) the complete solution.
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About Today’s Connections

This is puzzle #826, published on September 14, 2025.
Your task is to sort 16 words into 4 groups of 4 based on their hidden connections.

The 16 Words

Here are the 16 words, sorted alphabetically to avoid spoilers:

Beat
Best
Better
Compass
Door
Downing
Fleet
Gate
Hatch
Inset
Key
Main
Portal
Scale
Top
Wall

Definitions of the 16 Words

Beat	To defeat or surpass; also a rhythm in music.
Best	To outdo or surpass; also the highest quality.
Better	Comparative of “good”; also to surpass.
Compass	A device that shows direction on a map.
Door	An entryway into a building or room.
Downing	As in Downing Street, symbolic of UK government.
Fleet	A group of ships; also Fleet Street, linked with British press.
Gate	An entry point, often in a fence or wall.
Hatch	A small opening or door, often on ships or planes.
Inset	A smaller map within a larger one showing detail.
Key	Legend on a map explaining symbols.
Main	Main Street, symbolic of everyday American life.
Portal	A grand doorway or entrance.
Scale	Ratio on a map that shows real distance.
Top	To surpass or be above; also the highest part.
Wall	As in Wall Street, symbolic of finance.