black group — BLACK-AND-WHITE ANIMALS
Why is “ORCA” in the black group?
a large predatory whale with a distinctive black and white coloration
Connections Hints for December 30, 2023 #201
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 30, 2023 #201
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Yellow Category — December 30, 2023
Green Category — December 30, 2023
Blue Category — December 30, 2023
Purple Category — December 30, 2023
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼none group — HETERONYMS
Why is “HETERONYMS” in the none group?
words that are spelled the same but have different meanings and, often, different pronunciations
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (December 30, 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.
- BASS
- Definition: a type of fish or a low-pitched sound
- Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, referring to both a fish and a musical term
- DESERT
- Definition: a dry and often sandy region or to abandon
- Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, referring to both a geographical location and an action
- WIND
- Definition: air moving in a natural way or to twist and turn
- Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, referring to both a natural phenomenon and a verb
- CHAIN
- Definition: a series of linked metal rings or a sequence of events
- Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, referring to both a physical object and a conceptual sequence
Connections #201 explained
Why these words connect (December 30, 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: BLACK-AND-WHITE ANIMALS
These are all animals that are known for their black and white coloring, including the orca, panda, skunk, and zebra. They can be found in various parts of the world and are often recognized by their unique coloration.
Green group: SEQUENCE
These are all words that refer to a series of events or items, including a chain, series, string, and train. They can be used in various contexts to describe a sequence of things.
Blue group: HETERONYMS
These are all words that have multiple meanings, including bass, dove, desert, and wind. They can be used in different contexts to convey different meanings.
Purple group: ___ TRAP
These are all words that can be combined with 'trap' to form a phrase, including bear trap, sand trap, speed trap, and tourist trap. They can be used in different contexts to describe a type of trap or obstacle.
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.
“BEAR”
Seems like it belongs to: BLACK-AND-WHITE ANIMALS
Actually belongs to: ___ TRAP
while bears can be black and white, the word 'bear' is actually part of a phrase 'bear trap', which is a type of trap
“TRAIN”
Seems like it belongs to: SEQUENCE
Actually belongs to: SEQUENCE
while 'train' can refer to a series of linked vehicles, it can also refer to a series of events or a sequence of actions
“DOVE”
Seems like it belongs to: BLACK-AND-WHITE ANIMALS
Actually belongs to: HETERONYMS
while doves are birds, the word 'dove' can also refer to a type of bird or a verb meaning to dive or plunge
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “BEAR” didn't go with BLACK-AND-WHITE ANIMALS
Seems like: BLACK-AND-WHITE ANIMALS → Actually: ___ TRAP
while bears can be black and white, the word 'bear' is actually part of a phrase 'bear trap', which is a type of trap
Why “TRAIN” didn't go with SEQUENCE
Seems like: SEQUENCE → Actually: SEQUENCE
while 'train' can refer to a series of linked vehicles, it can also refer to a series of events or a sequence of actions
Why “DOVE” didn't go with BLACK-AND-WHITE ANIMALS
Seems like: BLACK-AND-WHITE ANIMALS → Actually: HETERONYMS
while doves are birds, the word 'dove' can also refer to a type of bird or a verb meaning to dive or plunge