Purple group — HETERONYMS
Why is “HETERONYMS” in the Purple group?
words with the same spelling but different meanings and pronunciations
Connections Hints for August 31, 2025 #811
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 31, 2025 #811
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 2025-08-31. 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 31, 2025
Green Category — August 31, 2025
Blue Category — August 31, 2025
Purple Category — August 31, 2025
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Purple group — HETERONYMS
Why is “COORDINATE” in the Purple group?
a point in a system of geometry or to organize
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (August 31, 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.
- BASS
- Definition: a type of fish or a low-pitched sound
- Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, referring to both a fish and a musical term
- AXES
- Definition: tools for chopping or a coordinate system
- Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, referring to both a tool and a mathematical concept
- COORDINATE
- Definition: a point in a system of geometry or to organize
- Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, referring to both a mathematical concept and a verb
- DOES
- Definition: a type of deer or a verb meaning to perform
- Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, referring to both an animal and a verb
Connections #811 explained
Why these words connect (August 31, 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: CRITICIZE HARSHLY
These are all words that mean to criticize or condemn strongly, often in a public or formal setting, such as a review or a speech.
Green group: COMMON COMPONENTS OF BOARD GAMES
These are all common components found in many board games, such as boards, cards, and pieces, which are used to play and interact with the game.
Blue group: HETERONYMS
These are all words that are heteronyms, meaning they have the same spelling but different meanings and pronunciations, such as AXES referring to both a tool and a coordinate system.
Purple group: ___STICKS
These are all words that can be combined with 'sticks' to form a phrase, such as chopsticks or drumsticks, which are used for eating or playing music.
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.
“BASH”
Seems like it belongs to: HETERONYMS
Actually belongs to: CRITICIZE HARSHLY
BASH can be a verb meaning to criticize, but also a type of shell, making it a potential red herring for HETERONYMS
“PIECES”
Seems like it belongs to: ___STICKS
Actually belongs to: COMMON COMPONENTS OF BOARD GAMES
PIECES can refer to parts of a game, but also to sticks or fragments, making it a potential red herring for ___STICKS
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “BASH” didn't go with HETERONYMS
Seems like: HETERONYMS → Actually: CRITICIZE HARSHLY
BASH can be a verb meaning to criticize, but also a type of shell, making it a potential red herring for HETERONYMS
Why “PIECES” didn't go with ___STICKS
Seems like: ___STICKS → Actually: COMMON COMPONENTS OF BOARD GAMES
PIECES can refer to parts of a game, but also to sticks or fragments, making it a potential red herring for ___STICKS