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Connections Hints for September 16, 2024 #462

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for September 16, 2024 #462

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Yellow Category — September 16, 2024

Green Category — September 16, 2024

Blue Category — September 16, 2024

Purple Category — September 16, 2024

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Green group — OVERLY SENTIMENTAL WORK

Why is “PAP” in the Green group?

insipid or overly sentimental material, especially in art or literature, often used to describe something as lacking in substance or originality

Green group — OVERLY SENTIMENTAL WORK

Why is “MUSH” in the Green group?

excessively sentimental or emotional material, often used to describe something as overly emotional or sappy

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (September 16, 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.

CHEESE
Definition: overly sentimental work, especially in art or literature
Why it's tricky: commonly refers to a type of food, but in this context, it means something overly sentimental
CORN
Definition: overly sentimental material, especially in art or literature
Why it's tricky: commonly refers to a type of grain, but in this context, it means something overly sentimental
MUSH
Definition: excessively sentimental or emotional material
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a type of fungus or a soft, wet, and pulpy mass
PAP
Definition: insipid or overly sentimental material, especially in art or literature
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a type of soft, semi-solid food for infants
GRADUATE
Definition: to receive a degree or diploma, or to be capped with an academic hat
Why it's tricky: commonly refers to the act of completing a degree, but in this context, it also refers to the act of being capped

Connections #462 explained

Why these words connect (September 16, 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: FOREMOST

These words all describe something or someone as being the most important or prominent, often used to convey a sense of superiority or leadership. They are all synonyms for the concept of being the most important or prominent.

Green group: SPIKY THINGS

These words all describe objects or living things that have sharp, pointed parts, often used to convey a sense of danger or protection. They are all connected by their spiky or prickly nature.

Blue group: OVERLY SENTIMENTAL WORK

These words all describe something as being overly emotional or sappy, often used to convey a sense of insincerity or lack of substance. They are all connected by their association with overly sentimental or emotional material.

Purple group: THINGS THAT ARE CAPPED

These words all describe objects or concepts that have a covering or a limit, often used to convey a sense of containment or restriction. They are all connected by their association with being capped or limited in some way.

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.

PINEAPPLE

Seems like it belongs to: THINGS THAT ARE CAPPED

Actually belongs to: SPIKY THINGS

while pineapples have tough, waxy leaves that resemble a cap, they are actually a type of spiky fruit

MUSHROOM

Seems like it belongs to: SPIKY THINGS

Actually belongs to: THINGS THAT ARE CAPPED

while mushrooms have a cap-like shape, they are actually a type of fungus that grows in a capped shape

GRADUATE

Seems like it belongs to: FOREMOST

Actually belongs to: THINGS THAT ARE CAPPED

while graduates may be considered foremost in their field, the word actually refers to the act of receiving a degree or diploma, and being capped with an academic hat

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “PINEAPPLE” didn't go with THINGS THAT ARE CAPPED

Seems like: THINGS THAT ARE CAPPED → Actually: SPIKY THINGS

while pineapples have tough, waxy leaves that resemble a cap, they are actually a type of spiky fruit

Why “MUSHROOM” didn't go with SPIKY THINGS

Seems like: SPIKY THINGS → Actually: THINGS THAT ARE CAPPED

while mushrooms have a cap-like shape, they are actually a type of fungus that grows in a capped shape

Why “GRADUATE” didn't go with FOREMOST

Seems like: FOREMOST → Actually: THINGS THAT ARE CAPPED

while graduates may be considered foremost in their field, the word actually refers to the act of receiving a degree or diploma, and being capped with an academic hat

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