Purple group — ___STONE
Why is “RHINE” in the Purple group?
a type of stone, likely referring to Rhinestone, a type of gemstone
Connections Hints for December 5, 2024 #542
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 5, 2024 #542
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 2024-12-05. 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 — December 5, 2024
Green Category — December 5, 2024
Blue Category — December 5, 2024
Purple Category — December 5, 2024
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Purple group — ___STONE
Why is “BRIM” in the Purple group?
a type of stone, likely referring to Brimstone, an archaic term for sulfur
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (December 5, 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.
- NOSE
- Definition: a natural ability or instinct
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to the olfactory organ
- FACE
- Definition: the exterior or outward appearance
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to the front of a person's head
- FRONT
- Definition: the exterior or outward side
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to the forward or leading part
- STONE
- Definition: a suffix forming nouns denoting a type of rock or mineral
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a unit of weight or a type of fruit
Connections #542 explained
Why these words connect (December 5, 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: APTITUDE
These words all describe innate or natural abilities, such as a flair for music or a gift for art
Green group: EXTERIOR
These words all describe the exterior or outward appearance of something, such as the face of a building or the surface of an object
Blue group: TECH COMPANIES
These words are all names of major tech companies, such as Amazon or Apple
Purple group: ___STONE
These words are all prefixes or words that can be combined with 'stone' to form a type of stone or mineral, such as limestone or rhinestone
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.
“APPLE”
Seems like it belongs to: EXTERIOR
Actually belongs to: TECH COMPANIES
Apple is a tech company, not just a type of fruit that grows on the outside of a tree
“FACE”
Seems like it belongs to: APTITUDE
Actually belongs to: EXTERIOR
Face can refer to the exterior or outward appearance, not just a person's ability or instinct
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “APPLE” didn't go with EXTERIOR
Seems like: EXTERIOR → Actually: TECH COMPANIES
Apple is a tech company, not just a type of fruit that grows on the outside of a tree
Why “FACE” didn't go with APTITUDE
Seems like: APTITUDE → Actually: EXTERIOR
Face can refer to the exterior or outward appearance, not just a person's ability or instinct