Blue group — ENDING WITH KEYBOARD KEYS
Why is “CANTAB” in the Blue group?
short for Cantabrigian, referring to a student or graduate of Cambridge University, ending with the 'tab' keys
Connections Hints for August 28, 2025 #808
Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for August 28, 2025 #808
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 2025-08-28. 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 — August 28, 2025
Green Category — August 28, 2025
Blue Category — August 28, 2025
Purple Category — August 28, 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 — ENDING WITH KEYBOARD KEYS
Why is “CYBERSPACE” in the Blue group?
the online world of computer networks, ending with the 'space' bar key
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (August 28, 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.
- NET
- Definition: a mesh of threads or wires used for catching or holding something
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a computer network
- ROCK
- Definition: a naturally formed solid mass of mineral material
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a style of music
- STEEL
- Definition: a strong and flexible metal alloy
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a type of sword or a person's resolve
- CANTAB
- Definition: short for Cantabrigian, a student or graduate of Cambridge University
- Why it's tricky: uncommon word with multiple possible meanings
Connections #808 explained
Why these words connect (August 28, 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: PLACES TO GET TRAPPED
These are all words for things that can trap or ensnare someone, such as a net, a snare, or a tangle of threads.
Green group: USED FOR TEA
These are all words for things that are used in the process of making or serving tea, such as a cup, a kettle, or a teabag.
Blue group: ASSOCIATED WITH HARDNESS
These are all words for things that are known for their hardness or strength, such as a diamond, steel, or rock.
Purple group: ENDING WITH KEYBOARD KEYS
These are all words that end with common keyboard keys, such as 'tab', 'space', or 'shift'.
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.
“WEB”
Seems like it belongs to: USED FOR TEA
Actually belongs to: PLACES TO GET TRAPPED
while a tea infuser is sometimes called a 'tea web', the word 'web' is more commonly associated with being trapped
“STEEL”
Seems like it belongs to: USED FOR TEA
Actually belongs to: ASSOCIATED WITH HARDNESS
while some tea kettles are made of steel, the word 'steel' is more strongly associated with hardness and strength
“ROCK”
Seems like it belongs to: PLACES TO GET TRAPPED
Actually belongs to: ASSOCIATED WITH HARDNESS
while one can get trapped between rocks, the word 'rock' is more commonly associated with hardness and solidity
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “WEB” didn't go with USED FOR TEA
Seems like: USED FOR TEA → Actually: PLACES TO GET TRAPPED
while a tea infuser is sometimes called a 'tea web', the word 'web' is more commonly associated with being trapped
Why “STEEL” didn't go with USED FOR TEA
Seems like: USED FOR TEA → Actually: ASSOCIATED WITH HARDNESS
while some tea kettles are made of steel, the word 'steel' is more strongly associated with hardness and strength
Why “ROCK” didn't go with PLACES TO GET TRAPPED
Seems like: PLACES TO GET TRAPPED → Actually: ASSOCIATED WITH HARDNESS
while one can get trapped between rocks, the word 'rock' is more commonly associated with hardness and solidity