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Connections Hints for December 8, 2023 #179

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for December 8, 2023 #179

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Yellow Category — December 8, 2023

Green Category — December 8, 2023

Blue Category — December 8, 2023

Purple Category — December 8, 2023

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Yellow group — DECLINE

Why is “EBB” in the Yellow group?

the movement of the tide away from the shore, also a decline or decrease

Yellow group — DECLINE

Why is “WANE” in the Yellow group?

to decrease or decline in strength or importance

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (December 8, 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.

STATE
Definition: to express or declare something
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a political entity or a condition
FLAG
Definition: to decline or become weak
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a symbol or banner
PURE
Definition: absolute or complete
Why it's tricky: can also refer to something being clean or untainted
VOICE
Definition: to express an opinion or feeling
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a sound or a voting right

Connections #179 explained

Why these words connect (December 8, 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: DECLINE

These words all describe a decrease or decline in something, such as the tide or a person's strength

Green group: ABSOLUTE

These words all describe something that is complete, total, or utter, such as a pure substance or a total commitment

Blue group: EXPRESS

These words all describe a way of expressing or communicating something, such as speaking or voicing an opinion

Purple group: SUPERHERO LAST NAMES

These words are all the last names of famous superheroes, such as Bruce Banner or Tony Stark

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.

STATE

Seems like it belongs to: SUPERHERO LAST NAMES

Actually belongs to: EXPRESS

while some superheroes may have 'state' in their name, this word is actually related to expression

FLAG

Seems like it belongs to: SUPERHERO LAST NAMES

Actually belongs to: DECLINE

while some superheroes may have a flag as a symbol, this word is actually related to decline

PURE

Seems like it belongs to: SUPERHERO LAST NAMES

Actually belongs to: ABSOLUTE

while some superheroes may be pure of heart, this word is actually related to being absolute or complete

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “STATE” didn't go with SUPERHERO LAST NAMES

Seems like: SUPERHERO LAST NAMES → Actually: EXPRESS

while some superheroes may have 'state' in their name, this word is actually related to expression

Why “FLAG” didn't go with SUPERHERO LAST NAMES

Seems like: SUPERHERO LAST NAMES → Actually: DECLINE

while some superheroes may have a flag as a symbol, this word is actually related to decline

Why “PURE” didn't go with SUPERHERO LAST NAMES

Seems like: SUPERHERO LAST NAMES → Actually: ABSOLUTE

while some superheroes may be pure of heart, this word is actually related to being absolute or complete

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