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Connections Hints for July 25, 2023 #43

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for July 25, 2023 #43

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 2023-07-25. 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 — July 25, 2023

Green Category — July 25, 2023

Blue Category — July 25, 2023

Purple Category — July 25, 2023

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Purple group — DEFEAT BADLY

Why is “SHELLAC” in the Purple group?

to defeat someone or something very badly, often in a competition

Yellow group — STATES OF MATTER

Why is “PLASMA” in the Yellow group?

a high-energy state of matter, often found in stars

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (July 25, 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.

PLASMA
Definition: a high-energy state of matter
Why it's tricky: often confused with blood plasma
SHELLAC
Definition: to defeat badly
Why it's tricky: also a type of nail polish
TESLA
Definition: an anagram of SLATE
Why it's tricky: also a well-known electric car brand
STALE
Definition: an anagram of SLATE
Why it's tricky: also means old or stagnant

Connections #43 explained

Why these words connect (July 25, 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: STATES OF MATTER

These are all states of matter, including solid, liquid, gas, and plasma, which are commonly studied in physics and chemistry.

Green group: EDIT MENU COMMANDS

These are all common edit menu commands, including copy, cut, paste, and undo, which are used in many computer applications.

Blue group: DEFEAT BADLY

These are all ways to defeat someone or something badly, including crush, rout, shellac, and trash, which are often used in competitive contexts.

Purple group: ANAGRAMS

These are all anagrams of each other, including least, slate, stale, and tesla, which are words that can be formed by rearranging the same letters.

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.

CUT

Seems like it belongs to: DEFEAT BADLY

Actually belongs to: EDIT MENU COMMANDS

CUT seems like it could be a way to defeat badly, but it's actually an edit menu command

PASTE

Seems like it belongs to: DEFEAT BADLY

Actually belongs to: EDIT MENU COMMANDS

PASTE seems like it could be a way to defeat badly, but it's actually an edit menu command

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “CUT” didn't go with DEFEAT BADLY

Seems like: DEFEAT BADLY → Actually: EDIT MENU COMMANDS

CUT seems like it could be a way to defeat badly, but it's actually an edit menu command

Why “PASTE” didn't go with DEFEAT BADLY

Seems like: DEFEAT BADLY → Actually: EDIT MENU COMMANDS

PASTE seems like it could be a way to defeat badly, but it's actually an edit menu command

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