How many words are in each puzzle?
Each puzzle has 16 words. The goal is to find 4 groups with 4 words in each group.
FAQ
Questions about the daily puzzle.
Here are quick answers for players who want to understand hints, scoring, archives, and privacy.
Are hints spoilers?
Hints start broad and are designed to nudge your thinking. They avoid revealing every category immediately.
Why did a group that looked right fail?
Many category puzzles include decoy connections. Four words may share a loose topic, but the intended answer usually has a tighter rule. If a guess fails, ask whether one of the words feels weaker than the others, whether another unused word fits the idea better, or whether the group depends on broad association instead of a precise relationship.
What kinds of categories appear?
Common category styles include synonyms, items in the same setting, words that can follow a shared phrase, homophones, abbreviations, pop culture references, and words with a hidden spelling pattern. The strategy pages explain how to recognize these patterns without immediately seeing the answer.
Can I play on mobile?
Yes. The interface is designed for phone screens first. Tap words to select them, submit a group when you have four, and use hints only when you want a nudge. If a layout problem appears on a specific device, send the page URL and device type through the contact page.
How often are new puzzles published?
The site is built around daily play. During launch, we maintain a seeded set of puzzles and supporting strategy pages. New archive notes and practice pages can be added as the site grows and as search data shows which puzzle questions players need most.
Do I need an account?
No. The site does not require registration. Game progress is stored locally in your browser.
Is this site affiliated with NYT Games?
No. Daily Word Categories is an independent word grouping puzzle site. It is inspired by the broader category puzzle format, but it is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to The New York Times or NYT Games.
Why are there ads?
Advertising helps keep the puzzle free. Ads do not decide puzzle answers, hint wording, or editorial corrections. If an ad causes a technical issue or appears in a confusing location, send a note through the contact page.
Can I report a puzzle issue?
Yes. Use the contact page and include the puzzle date, URL, and the group that felt unclear.