Green group — TREES
Why is “SPRUCE” in the Green group?
a type of evergreen tree
Connections Hints for December 26, 2024 #563
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 26, 2024 #563
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 2024-12-26. 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 26, 2024
Green Category — December 26, 2024
Blue Category — December 26, 2024
Purple Category — December 26, 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 — TREES
Why is “ELDER” in the Green group?
a type of deciduous tree or shrub
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (December 26, 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.
- LIKE
- Definition: approximately or similar to
- Why it's tricky: can be used as a preposition or a verb
- HANDSOME
- Definition: considerable in amount or size
- Why it's tricky: commonly refers to physical attractiveness
- TIDY
- Definition: of a considerable or respectable amount
- Why it's tricky: typically means neat or organized
- RESPECTABLE
- Definition: considerable or sizable in amount
- Why it's tricky: can also mean worthy of respect or esteem
Connections #563 explained
Why these words connect (December 26, 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: APPROXIMATELY
These words are all used to describe something that is not exact, but rather an approximation or rough estimate. They are often used in everyday language to convey a sense of similarity or closeness.
Green group: TREES
These words are all names of different types of trees, each with its own unique characteristics and uses. They are often found in various environments and are an important part of many ecosystems.
Blue group: SIZABLE, AS AN AMOUNT
These words are all used to describe something that is of a significant or considerable amount. They are often used in contexts where size or quantity is being emphasized.
Purple group: U.S. STATE ABBREVIATIONS, PER AP STYLE GUIDE
These words are all official abbreviations for states in the United States, as per the AP Style Guide. They are often used in news articles and other formal writing to refer to specific states.
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.
“LIKE”
Seems like it belongs to: SIZABLE, AS AN AMOUNT
Actually belongs to: APPROXIMATELY
while 'like' can be used to describe similarity in size, it belongs to the 'APPROXIMATELY' group due to its prepositional meaning
“PALM”
Seems like it belongs to: U.S. STATE ABBREVIATIONS, PER AP STYLE GUIDE
Actually belongs to: TREES
although 'PALM' sounds like a state abbreviation, it refers to a type of tree
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “LIKE” didn't go with SIZABLE, AS AN AMOUNT
Seems like: SIZABLE, AS AN AMOUNT → Actually: APPROXIMATELY
while 'like' can be used to describe similarity in size, it belongs to the 'APPROXIMATELY' group due to its prepositional meaning
Why “PALM” didn't go with U.S. STATE ABBREVIATIONS, PER AP STYLE GUIDE
Seems like: U.S. STATE ABBREVIATIONS, PER AP STYLE GUIDE → Actually: TREES
although 'PALM' sounds like a state abbreviation, it refers to a type of tree