The New York Times Connections puzzle #583, for January 14th, 2025, presents a challenging word-sorting game. Sixteen words must be categorized, requiring careful consideration and minimal errors. Even experienced players may find this puzzle particularly difficult.

The Words: Working, Session, Body, Crowd, Puffing, Running, Swank, Flash, Sitting, Active, Gully, Period, Strap, Meeting, Functional, Lens.

Hints and Solutions:

The following sections provide hints and answers, categorized by color (corresponding to the puzzle's color-coded categories). Use these strategically to solve the puzzle, or reveal the answers directly if needed.

General Hints:

1. The categories are not exercise-related.
2. "Gully" and "Puffing" belong together.
3. "Body" and "Flash" share a category.

Yellow Category (Operating):

Hint: Describes machines functioning as intended.

Answer: Operating

Words: Active, Functional, Running, Working

Green Category (Term):

Hint: A duration, a semester, perhaps.

Answer: Term

Words: Meeting, Period, Session, Sitting

Blue Category (Things in a Camera Kit):

Hint: Items needed for photography (and more!).

Answer: Things in a Camera Kit

Words: Body, Flash, Lens, Strap

Purple Category (Bird Plus Letter):

Hint: The category becomes clear after removing the final letter from each word.

Answer: Bird Plus Letter

Words: Crowd, Gully, Puffing, Swank

Complete Answers:

• Yellow - Operating: Active, Functional, Running, Working
• Green - Term: Meeting, Period, Session, Sitting
• Blue - Things in a Camera Kit: Body, Flash, Lens, Strap
• Purple - Bird Plus Letter: Crowd, Gully, Puffing, Swank

To play the game, visit the New York Times Games Connections website.