Connections Answers

Sunday, September 28, 2025

1

BACKING

These words all refer to different forms of support, defense, or safety that 'back' someone or something up, keeping it safe.
Individual words:
AEGIS: A formal word for strong protection or support, usually from a powerful organization or person. 'Under the aegis of' means with their help.
GUARD: To watch over someone or something to keep them safe from danger. A person who does this is also called a guard, like a security guard.
PROTECTION: The act of keeping someone or something safe from harm, danger, or damage. It's like a defense that prevents bad things from happening.
SHIELD: A physical object, like a piece of armor, or something invisible that protects you from harm or attack. To shield means to protect.
2

MALICIOUS SOFTWARE

These are all different types of harmful computer programs designed to damage systems, steal information, or gain unauthorized access. They are commonly known as 'malicious software' or 'malware'.
Individual words:
BACKDOOR: A secret way to enter a computer system without permission. It bypasses normal security, like using a hidden key to get into a locked room.
TROJAN HORSE: Software that looks safe or useful but hides something harmful inside, like the trick with the big wooden horse in an old Greek story. It deceives users.
VIRUS: A computer program that copies itself and spreads from one computer to another, often damaging files or making the system work poorly. It's like a sickness for computers.
WORM: A type of malicious software that spreads by itself across computer networks. Unlike a virus, it doesn't need to attach to another program to travel and infect.
3

GUM BRANDS

These are all popular brands of chewing gum that you can buy in stores in the United States and many other countries.
Individual words:
EXTRA: EXTRA is a very popular brand of sugar-free chewing gum. It is known for having flavors that last a long time.
ICE BREAKERS: ICE BREAKERS is a brand that sells chewing gum and strong mints. They are known for fresh, intense flavors.
ORBIT: ORBIT is another widely recognized brand of sugar-free chewing gum. It is often advertised for helping to keep your breath fresh.
TRIDENT: TRIDENT is a very old and well-known brand of chewing gum, often sugar-free. It's popular worldwide and sometimes associated with dental health.
4

N.F.L. TEAM LOGOS

These words are all symbols or objects that appear in the official logos of different teams in the National Football League (NFL).
Individual words:
BUFFALO: A large, strong animal, also called a bison. It is a prominent part of the Buffalo Bills NFL team's logo.
FLEUR-DE-LIS: A decorative symbol shaped like a lily flower, often used in art. It is the main symbol of the New Orleans Saints NFL team's logo.
HORSESHOE: A U-shaped metal plate attached to a horse's hoof. It is the central image in the Indianapolis Colts NFL team's logo.
LIGHTNING BOLT: A bright flash of light seen in the sky during a thunderstorm. It is the distinctive symbol in the Los Angeles Chargers NFL team's logo.
NYT Connections Answers for Sunday, September 28, 2025 | ESL Explanations | NYT Games ESL