Green group — THINGS WITH SPINES
Why is “CACTUS” in the Green group?
a type of prickly plant with sharp spines
Connections Hints for February 23, 2024 #256
Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for February 23, 2024 #256
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 2024-02-23. 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 — February 23, 2024
Green Category — February 23, 2024
Blue Category — February 23, 2024
Purple Category — February 23, 2024
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Green group — THINGS WITH SPINES
Why is “HEDGEHOG” in the Green group?
a small mammal with sharp spines for defense
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (February 23, 2024)
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.
- BLUE
- Definition: having a particular emotional tone or connotation
- Why it's tricky: can refer to both a color and an emotional state
- TRAIN
- Definition: a series of vehicles or a course of instruction
- Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, including a procession of vehicles and a program of instruction
- SAD
- Definition: feeling or expressing sorrow
- Why it's tricky: can be associated with the color blue, but also has a distinct emotional connotation
- NOBLE
- Definition: having a high moral character or prestige
- Why it's tricky: can be associated with the color blue in heraldry, but also has a distinct moral connotation
Connections #256 explained
Why these words connect (February 23, 2024)
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: PROCESSION
These words all describe a group of people or vehicles moving together, often in a ceremonial or celebratory manner, such as a caravan of cars or a parade of marching bands
Green group: SHADES OF GREEN
These words all describe various shades of the color green, ranging from the brownish tone of olive to the bright tone of lime, often found in nature or used in design
Blue group: WHAT “BLUE” MIGHT MEAN
These words all describe different meanings or connotations of the color blue, ranging from the emotional state of sadness to the political affiliation of democratic, often used in various contexts to convey distinct ideas or values
Purple group: THINGS WITH SPINES
These words all describe objects or living things that have sharp points or spines, often used for defense or support, such as the spines of a cactus or the backbone of a skeleton
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.
“FOREST”
Seems like it belongs to: THINGS WITH SPINES
Actually belongs to: SHADES OF GREEN
while forests have trees with spines, the word 'forest' itself belongs to the shades of green category due to its association with the color
“PARADE”
Seems like it belongs to: WHAT “BLUE” MIGHT MEAN
Actually belongs to: PROCESSION
while parades can be associated with blue uniforms, the word 'parade' itself belongs to the procession category due to its definition as a procession of people or vehicles
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “FOREST” didn't go with THINGS WITH SPINES
Seems like: THINGS WITH SPINES → Actually: SHADES OF GREEN
while forests have trees with spines, the word 'forest' itself belongs to the shades of green category due to its association with the color
Why “PARADE” didn't go with WHAT “BLUE” MIGHT MEAN
Seems like: WHAT “BLUE” MIGHT MEAN → Actually: PROCESSION
while parades can be associated with blue uniforms, the word 'parade' itself belongs to the procession category due to its definition as a procession of people or vehicles