Blue group — KINDS OF PENGUINS
Why is “MACARONI” in the Blue group?
a type of crested penguin, named for its distinctive feathers
Connections Hints for May 17, 2025 #705
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Yellow Category — May 17, 2025
Green Category — May 17, 2025
Blue Category — May 17, 2025
Purple Category — May 17, 2025
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Blue group — KINDS OF PENGUINS
Why is “CHINSTRAP” in the Blue group?
a type of penguin with a thin black stripe under its chin
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (May 17, 2025)
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.
- RULER
- Definition: a straightedge with equally spaced markings
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a monarch or leader
- SIGNATURE
- Definition: a person's name written in a distinctive way
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a characteristic or identifying feature
- COMMERCE
- Definition: the exchange of goods or services
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to electronic commerce, or 'e-commerce'
- Definition: a system for sending letters or packages
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to email, or electronic mail
Connections #705 explained
Why these words connect (May 17, 2025)
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: MEMBER OF A KINGDOM IN TAXONOMY
These are all kingdoms in the biological taxonomy system, including the animal, bacteria, fungus, and plant kingdoms. They are the highest level of classification for living organisms.
Green group: GRADUATED INSTRUMENTS
These are all instruments with graduated markings, used for measuring quantities or lengths. They include beakers, protractors, rulers, and syringes.
Blue group: KINDS OF PENGUINS
These are all types of penguins, including the chinstrap, emperor, king, and macaroni penguins. They are all found in the Southern Hemisphere and are known for their distinctive feathers and waddling gait.
Purple group: “E” THINGS
These are all things that start with the letter 'e', including commerce, mail, scooters, and signatures. They are all related to modern technology and the digital age.
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.
“RULER”
Seems like it belongs to: MEMBER OF A KINGDOM IN TAXONOMY
Actually belongs to: GRADUATED INSTRUMENTS
while a ruler can be a monarch, in this context it refers to a measuring tool
“KING”
Seems like it belongs to: MEMBER OF A KINGDOM IN TAXONOMY
Actually belongs to: KINDS OF PENGUINS
while a king can be a monarch, in this context it refers to a type of penguin
“MAIL”
Seems like it belongs to: GRADUATED INSTRUMENTS
Actually belongs to: “E” THINGS
while mail can be measured, in this context it refers to a system for sending letters or packages
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “RULER” didn't go with MEMBER OF A KINGDOM IN TAXONOMY
Seems like: MEMBER OF A KINGDOM IN TAXONOMY → Actually: GRADUATED INSTRUMENTS
while a ruler can be a monarch, in this context it refers to a measuring tool
Why “KING” didn't go with MEMBER OF A KINGDOM IN TAXONOMY
Seems like: MEMBER OF A KINGDOM IN TAXONOMY → Actually: KINDS OF PENGUINS
while a king can be a monarch, in this context it refers to a type of penguin
Why “MAIL” didn't go with GRADUATED INSTRUMENTS
Seems like: GRADUATED INSTRUMENTS → Actually: “E” THINGS
while mail can be measured, in this context it refers to a system for sending letters or packages