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Connections Hints for October 9, 2025 #850

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for October 9, 2025 #850

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 2025-10-09. 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 — October 9, 2025

Green Category — October 9, 2025

Blue Category — October 9, 2025

Purple Category — October 9, 2025

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Green group — NEWS ARTICLE FEATURES

Why is “LEDE” in the Green group?

The introductory section of a news article, designed to grab the reader's attention

Blue group — TITLE FIGURES IN CLASSIC VIDEO GAMES

Why is “GORILLA” in the Blue group?

The main antagonist in the classic arcade game Donkey Kong

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (October 9, 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.

FANCY
Definition: Imaginative or inventive, often used in creative writing
Why it's tricky: Can also mean luxurious or high-end
LEDE
Definition: The opening sentence or paragraph of a news article
Why it's tricky: Uncommon term outside of journalism
PLUMBER
Definition: The protagonist of the Super Mario Bros. video game series
Why it's tricky: More commonly refers to a tradesperson who installs and repairs pipes
FIGMENT
Definition: A product of imagination, especially a false or unrealistic idea
Why it's tricky: Similar to 'fiction', but with a stronger connotation of being unreal

Connections #850 explained

Why these words connect (October 9, 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: FANTASY

These words all relate to the concept of imagination or creative writing, including fictional stories and invented ideas.

Green group: KINDS OF ROCKS

These words all refer to different types of rocks or stones, often used in construction or architecture.

Blue group: NEWS ARTICLE FEATURES

These words all refer to different parts of a news article, including the introduction, images, and captions.

Purple group: TITLE FIGURES IN CLASSIC VIDEO GAMES

These words all refer to the main characters or title figures from classic video games, including Donkey Kong and Super Mario Bros.

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.

ROCK

Seems like it belongs to: KINDS OF ROCKS

Actually belongs to: TITLE FIGURES IN CLASSIC VIDEO GAMES

While 'rock' can refer to a type of stone, it's also a term used in music and can be associated with the game 'Guitar Hero', which features a character named 'Rock'

STORY

Seems like it belongs to: FANTASY

Actually belongs to: NEWS ARTICLE FEATURES

A story can be a work of fiction, but in the context of news articles, it refers to a news article itself

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “ROCK” didn't go with KINDS OF ROCKS

Seems like: KINDS OF ROCKS → Actually: TITLE FIGURES IN CLASSIC VIDEO GAMES

While 'rock' can refer to a type of stone, it's also a term used in music and can be associated with the game 'Guitar Hero', which features a character named 'Rock'

Why “STORY” didn't go with FANTASY

Seems like: FANTASY → Actually: NEWS ARTICLE FEATURES

A story can be a work of fiction, but in the context of news articles, it refers to a news article itself

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