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Connections Hints for May 28, 2024 #351

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for May 28, 2024 #351

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

Yellow Category — May 28, 2024

Green Category — May 28, 2024

Blue Category — May 28, 2024

Purple Category — May 28, 2024

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Purple group — ADJECTIVES FOR A CANDLE

Why is “WAXY” in the Purple group?

having a smooth, glossy texture, like wax

Blue group — ANAGRAMS

Why is “VEIL” in the Blue group?

a piece of fabric worn to cover the face or head

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (May 28, 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.

LIT
Definition: set on fire, as in a candle
Why it's tricky: can also mean highly intoxicated or exciting
WICKED
Definition: having a pleasant, mischievous quality, as in a sense of humor
Why it's tricky: can also mean evil or morally wrong
GENIUS
Definition: a very intelligent or talented person
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a high rank in the Spelling Bee
OPEN
Definition: accessible or receptive to ideas
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a physical space or a state of being unlocked

Connections #351 explained

Why these words connect (May 28, 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: AMENABLE

These words all describe someone who is open to new ideas and willing to listen. They are all adjectives that convey a sense of receptivity and flexibility.

Green group: ANAGRAMS

These words are all anagrams of each other, meaning they can be rearranged to spell different words. They are all connected through their shared letters.

Blue group: SPELLING BEE RANKS

These words all represent different levels of achievement in a spelling competition. They are all connected through their shared context of evaluating spelling ability.

Purple group: ADJECTIVES FOR A CANDLE

These words all describe different qualities of a candle. They are all connected through their shared context of describing a candle's characteristics.

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.

LIT

Seems like it belongs to: ANAGRAMS

Actually belongs to: ADJECTIVES FOR A CANDLE

LIT seems like it could be an anagram, but it's actually an adjective for a candle.

GENIUS

Seems like it belongs to: AMENABLE

Actually belongs to: SPELLING BEE RANKS

GENIUS seems like it could describe someone who is amenable, but it's actually a rank in the Spelling Bee.

OPEN

Seems like it belongs to: SPELLING BEE RANKS

Actually belongs to: AMENABLE

OPEN seems like it could be a rank in the Spelling Bee, but it's actually an adjective describing someone who is amenable.

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “LIT” didn't go with ANAGRAMS

Seems like: ANAGRAMS → Actually: ADJECTIVES FOR A CANDLE

LIT seems like it could be an anagram, but it's actually an adjective for a candle.

Why “GENIUS” didn't go with AMENABLE

Seems like: AMENABLE → Actually: SPELLING BEE RANKS

GENIUS seems like it could describe someone who is amenable, but it's actually a rank in the Spelling Bee.

Why “OPEN” didn't go with SPELLING BEE RANKS

Seems like: SPELLING BEE RANKS → Actually: AMENABLE

OPEN seems like it could be a rank in the Spelling Bee, but it's actually an adjective describing someone who is amenable.

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