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Connections Hints for September 16, 2025 #827

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for September 16, 2025 #827

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Yellow Category — September 16, 2025

Green Category — September 16, 2025

Blue Category — September 16, 2025

Purple Category — September 16, 2025

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Purple group — ___ RABBIT

Why is “VELVETEEN” in the Purple group?

a type of soft, plush fabric, also the name of a fictional rabbit

Blue group — THINGS WITH INK

Why is “SQUID” in the Blue group?

a type of marine animal that releases ink for defense

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (September 16, 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.

MONTH
Definition: a period of time, but also a member of a group of 12
Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, including time and quantity
INK
Definition: a substance for writing or printing, but also a feature of certain animals
Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, including writing and biology
ROSE
Definition: a flower, but also a possible member of a group of 12
Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, including botany and quantity
TRACK
Definition: to follow or monitor, but also a path or course
Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, including action and location

Connections #827 explained

Why these words connect (September 16, 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: KEEP TABS ON

These are all verbs that mean to watch, follow, or monitor something or someone, often implying a sense of supervision or observation.

Green group: ONE IN A DOZEN

These are all nouns that can be associated with the number 12, whether it's a dozen donuts, a jury of 12 people, or 12 months in a year.

Blue group: THINGS WITH INK

These are all nouns that are associated with ink, whether it's a writing instrument, a printing device, or an animal that releases ink for defense.

Purple group: ___ RABBIT

These are all names of famous rabbits from literature, film, or popular culture, including Roger Rabbit, the Trix Rabbit, and the Velveteen Rabbit.

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.

ROSE

Seems like it belongs to: KEEP TABS ON

Actually belongs to: ONE IN A DOZEN

while 'rose' can imply something to watch or monitor, it actually belongs to the 'ONE IN A DOZEN' group due to its association with the number 12 as a dozen roses

TRACK

Seems like it belongs to: THINGS WITH INK

Actually belongs to: KEEP TABS ON

while 'track' can imply a path or course, it actually belongs to the 'KEEP TABS ON' group due to its association with following or monitoring

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “ROSE” didn't go with KEEP TABS ON

Seems like: KEEP TABS ON → Actually: ONE IN A DOZEN

while 'rose' can imply something to watch or monitor, it actually belongs to the 'ONE IN A DOZEN' group due to its association with the number 12 as a dozen roses

Why “TRACK” didn't go with THINGS WITH INK

Seems like: THINGS WITH INK → Actually: KEEP TABS ON

while 'track' can imply a path or course, it actually belongs to the 'KEEP TABS ON' group due to its association with following or monitoring

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