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Connections Hints for November 21, 2024 #528

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for November 21, 2024 #528

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Yellow Category — November 21, 2024

Green Category — November 21, 2024

Blue Category — November 21, 2024

Purple Category — November 21, 2024

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Blue group — SPHERES IN MILK TEA

Why is “TAPIOCA” in the Blue group?

a type of starch extracted from cassava root, used in milk tea

Green group — STARTS OF PASTA NAMES

Why is “TORTE” in the Green group?

a type of Italian cake, also a prefix for some pasta names

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (November 21, 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.

BOBA
Definition: a type of sphere in milk tea
Why it's tricky: can be confused with bubble tea as a whole
CORAL
Definition: a type of marine invertebrate
Why it's tricky: can be thought of as a color or a reef
SPONGE
Definition: a type of marine invertebrate
Why it's tricky: can be thought of as a household cleaning item
STAR
Definition: a type of marine invertebrate
Why it's tricky: can be thought of as a celestial body

Connections #528 explained

Why these words connect (November 21, 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: KINDS OF SHIRTS

These are all common types of shirts, including casual and formal wear.

Green group: SPHERES IN MILK TEA

These are all types of spheres commonly found in milk tea, including tapioca pearls and popping boba.

Blue group: MARINE INVERTEBRATES, FAMILIARLY

These are all common names for marine invertebrates, including corals, jellyfish, and starfish.

Purple group: STARTS OF PASTA NAMES

These are all prefixes or starts of common pasta names, including fettuccine and tortellini.

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.

PEARL

Seems like it belongs to: KINDS OF SHIRTS

Actually belongs to: SPHERES IN MILK TEA

Pearl can be a type of shirt button, but in this context, it refers to a type of sphere in milk tea.

STAR

Seems like it belongs to: STARTS OF PASTA NAMES

Actually belongs to: MARINE INVERTEBRATES, FAMILIARLY

Star can be a prefix for some pasta names, but in this context, it refers to a type of marine invertebrate.

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “PEARL” didn't go with KINDS OF SHIRTS

Seems like: KINDS OF SHIRTS → Actually: SPHERES IN MILK TEA

Pearl can be a type of shirt button, but in this context, it refers to a type of sphere in milk tea.

Why “STAR” didn't go with STARTS OF PASTA NAMES

Seems like: STARTS OF PASTA NAMES → Actually: MARINE INVERTEBRATES, FAMILIARLY

Star can be a prefix for some pasta names, but in this context, it refers to a type of marine invertebrate.

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