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Connections Hints for October 12, 2025 #853

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 12, 2025 #853

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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 12, 2025

Green Category — October 12, 2025

Blue Category — October 12, 2025

Purple Category — October 12, 2025

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Blue group — BIRDS

Why is “SWIFT” in the Blue group?

a small, agile bird known for its swift flight

Green group — ESTABLISHES

Why is “PIONEERS” in the Green group?

people who are among the first to settle or develop a new area

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (October 12, 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.

ETERNAL
Definition: lasting or existing forever
Why it's tricky: can be confused with 'everlasting' due to similar meanings
PERMANENT
Definition: remaining in the same state for an indefinite period
Why it's tricky: can be mistaken for 'temporary' due to its prefix
SWIFT
Definition: a type of bird
Why it's tricky: can also mean moving quickly or promptly
LAUNCHES
Definition: starts or initiates something
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a boat or a device for launching

Connections #853 explained

Why these words connect (October 12, 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: FOR ALL TIME

These words all describe something that is perpetual or unending, such as 'eternal' love or 'everlasting' memories.

Green group: ESTABLISHES

These words all describe the act of starting or initiating something, such as 'begins' a new project or 'launches' a new business.

Blue group: BIRDS

These words all describe different types of birds, such as 'kite' or 'robin'.

Purple group: HAPPY ___

These words all complete the phrase 'happy ___', such as 'happy days' or 'happy ending'.

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.

PERMANENT

Seems like it belongs to: ESTABLISHES

Actually belongs to: FOR ALL TIME

while 'permanent' can imply establishment, it actually belongs to the 'FOR ALL TIME' group due to its meaning of lasting forever

LAUNCHES

Seems like it belongs to: BIRDS

Actually belongs to: ESTABLISHES

although 'launches' can be related to birds taking flight, it actually belongs to the 'ESTABLISHES' group due to its meaning of starting or initiating something

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “PERMANENT” didn't go with ESTABLISHES

Seems like: ESTABLISHES → Actually: FOR ALL TIME

while 'permanent' can imply establishment, it actually belongs to the 'FOR ALL TIME' group due to its meaning of lasting forever

Why “LAUNCHES” didn't go with BIRDS

Seems like: BIRDS → Actually: ESTABLISHES

although 'launches' can be related to birds taking flight, it actually belongs to the 'ESTABLISHES' group due to its meaning of starting or initiating something

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