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Connections Hints for May 29, 2025 #717

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for May 29, 2025 #717

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Yellow Category — May 29, 2025

Green Category — May 29, 2025

Blue Category — May 29, 2025

Purple Category — May 29, 2025

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Purple group — WHAT “BUFF” MIGHT MEAN

Why is “buff” in the Purple group?

a person who is very enthusiastic about something, or a polished surface

Blue group — VERBS FOR FINISHING DONUTS

Why is “sprinkle” in the Blue group?

to scatter or distribute something, such as powdered sugar, over a surface

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (May 29, 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.

buff
Definition: a person who is very enthusiastic about something
Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings including a polished or nude person
hail
Definition: to greet or acclaim someone
Why it's tricky: can also mean a form of precipitation
polish
Definition: to make something smooth and shiny
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a person from Poland
right
Definition: correct or proper
Why it's tricky: can also refer to direction or a political stance

Connections #717 explained

Why these words connect (May 29, 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: SALUTE

These are all words that can be used to express admiration or respect, such as applauding a performance or hailing a hero.

Green group: SUITABLE

These words all describe something that is proper or fitting, such as wearing the right clothes or being in the right place.

Blue group: VERBS FOR FINISHING DONUTS

These are all verbs that can be used to describe the process of finishing or decorating a donut, such as frosting or glazing.

Purple group: WHAT “BUFF” MIGHT MEAN

These words all represent different possible meanings of the word buff, such as a person who is enthusiastic or a surface that has been polished.

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.

hail

Seems like it belongs to: SALUTE

Actually belongs to: SALUTE

while hail can be a form of greeting, it is indeed a type of salute

right

Seems like it belongs to: SALUTE

Actually belongs to: SUITABLE

right can be a direction, but in this context it means correct or proper

polish

Seems like it belongs to: VERBS FOR FINISHING DONUTS

Actually belongs to: WHAT “BUFF” MIGHT MEAN

polish can refer to a process of making something smooth, but in this context it is a possible meaning of buff

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “hail” didn't go with SALUTE

Seems like: SALUTE → Actually: SALUTE

while hail can be a form of greeting, it is indeed a type of salute

Why “right” didn't go with SALUTE

Seems like: SALUTE → Actually: SUITABLE

right can be a direction, but in this context it means correct or proper

Why “polish” didn't go with VERBS FOR FINISHING DONUTS

Seems like: VERBS FOR FINISHING DONUTS → Actually: WHAT “BUFF” MIGHT MEAN

polish can refer to a process of making something smooth, but in this context it is a possible meaning of buff

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