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Connections Hints for June 21, 2023 #9

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for June 21, 2023 #9

Want to see NYT Connections hints? Below you'll find complete solutions and explanations. Want to try solving it yourself first? Visit the NYT Connections game 2023-06-21. Looking for today's NYT Connections hint? Head to our home page or play today's connection game here.

Navigation tip: Use the arrows below to browse through past puzzles. Each puzzle is organized from easiest (yellow) to hardest (purple) categories.

Yellow Category — June 21, 2023

Green Category — June 21, 2023

Blue Category — June 21, 2023

Purple Category — June 21, 2023

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Purple group — ZODIAC SYMBOLS

Why is “TWINS” in the Purple group?

a zodiac symbol representing the third sign of the zodiac

Green group — COUNTRIES

Why is “TOGO” in the Green group?

a small country in West Africa

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (June 21, 2023)

Several words in today's puzzle have multiple meanings or obscure definitions that can throw you off. Here's what each one means in the context of this Connections grid.

DATE
Definition: a type of fruit
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a social engagement or a calendar entry
GEORGIA
Definition: a country
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a US state
SCALES
Definition: a zodiac symbol
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a musical concept or a device for measuring weight
JAY
Definition: a type of bird
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a slang term for a foolish person

Connections #9 explained

Why these words connect (June 21, 2023)

Understanding the logic behind each group helps you spot similar patterns in future puzzles. Here's the reasoning for every category in today's Connections.

Yellow group: FRUIT

These are all types of fruit, including citrus fruits like lemons and oranges, as well as smaller fruits like dates and kiwis.

Green group: COUNTRIES

These are all countries, including Chad, Georgia, Jordan, and Togo, which are located in various parts of the world.

Blue group: BIRDS

These are all types of birds, including the crane, jay, swallow, and turkey, which are found in various parts of the world.

Purple group: ZODIAC SYMBOLS

These are all zodiac symbols, including the fish, goat, scales, and twins, which represent different signs of the zodiac.

Red herrings and trap words explained

These words were designed to mislead you. Understanding why they don't belong where you first think sharpens your game for tomorrow.

ORANGE

Seems like it belongs to: COUNTRIES

Actually belongs to: FRUIT

Orange is a fruit, but it can also be a color associated with the Netherlands, leading to confusion with countries.

GOAT

Seems like it belongs to: BIRDS

Actually belongs to: ZODIAC SYMBOLS

Goat is a zodiac symbol, but it can also be a type of animal, leading to confusion with birds or other animals.

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.

Why “ORANGE” didn't go with COUNTRIES

Seems like: COUNTRIES → Actually: FRUIT

Orange is a fruit, but it can also be a color associated with the Netherlands, leading to confusion with countries.

Why “GOAT” didn't go with BIRDS

Seems like: BIRDS → Actually: ZODIAC SYMBOLS

Goat is a zodiac symbol, but it can also be a type of animal, leading to confusion with birds or other animals.

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