Purple group — CHINESE DYNASTIES
Why is “TANG” in the Purple group?
a Chinese dynasty from 618 to 907 AD
Connections Hints for September 5, 2025 #816
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Yellow Category — September 5, 2025
Green Category — September 5, 2025
Blue Category — September 5, 2025
Purple Category — September 5, 2025
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Yellow group — PIQUANCY
Why is “ZEST” in the Yellow group?
a quality of being pleasantly strong and exciting
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (September 5, 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.
- KICK
- Definition: a strong flavor or smell
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a physical action
- RAM
- Definition: an adult male sheep
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to computer memory
- BUCK
- Definition: an adult male deer
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a US dollar
- SONG
- Definition: a Chinese dynasty
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to music
Connections #816 explained
Why these words connect (September 5, 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: PIQUANCY
These words all describe a strong or exciting quality, often related to food or flavor. They are all related by their ability to evoke a strong sensory experience.
Green group: AVAILABLE
These words all describe something or someone that is accessible or unattached. They are all related by their connotation of being free or unencumbered.
Blue group: MALE ANIMALS
These words all describe adult male animals, often used as terms for specific species. They are all related by their reference to male animals.
Purple group: CHINESE DYNASTIES
These words all describe historical Chinese dynasties, each with its own distinct period and characteristics. They are all related by their reference to Chinese history.
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.
“FREE”
Seems like it belongs to: PIQUANCY
Actually belongs to: AVAILABLE
FREE seems like it could fit with PIQUANCY due to its strong connotation, but it actually belongs to AVAILABLE
“JACK”
Seems like it belongs to: AVAILABLE
Actually belongs to: MALE ANIMALS
JACK seems like it could fit with AVAILABLE due to its use as a term for a single person, but it actually belongs to MALE ANIMALS
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “FREE” didn't go with PIQUANCY
Seems like: PIQUANCY → Actually: AVAILABLE
FREE seems like it could fit with PIQUANCY due to its strong connotation, but it actually belongs to AVAILABLE
Why “JACK” didn't go with AVAILABLE
Seems like: AVAILABLE → Actually: MALE ANIMALS
JACK seems like it could fit with AVAILABLE due to its use as a term for a single person, but it actually belongs to MALE ANIMALS