Keep scrolling for Newsweek 's hints for brainteaser #634.

1. A slow and steady decline. 2. Things you might do outside (especially in the spring and summer). 3. These words are related to footwear. 4. The words in this category follow a common four-letter noun (hint: the noun typically refers to a granular/coarse substance that's found in deserts and beaches).

NYT Connections is the latest word game from The New York Times, challenging players to uncover hidden links between words. With four difficulty levels—Yellow, Green, Blue, and Purple—each puzzle becomes more complex.