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Connections Hints for October 15, 2025 #856

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 15, 2025 #856

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Yellow Category — October 15, 2025

Green Category — October 15, 2025

Blue Category — October 15, 2025

Purple Category — October 15, 2025

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Blue group — TYPES OF POOLS

Why is “KIDNEY” in the Blue group?

a type of pool shape, resembling a kidney bean

Purple group — ___ SEAL

Why is “VACUUM” in the Purple group?

a type of seal, as in a vacuum seal

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (October 15, 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.

BRAVO
Definition: a letter in the NATO phonetic alphabet
Why it's tricky: also means 'good job' or 'well done'
GOLF
Definition: a letter in the NATO phonetic alphabet
Why it's tricky: also a sport
LIMA
Definition: a letter in the NATO phonetic alphabet
Why it's tricky: also a city in Peru
DELTA
Definition: a letter in the NATO phonetic alphabet
Why it's tricky: also a mathematical symbol and a type of airline

Connections #856 explained

Why these words connect (October 15, 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: TYPES OF POOLS

These are all types of pools, including infinity pools, kiddie pools, and Olympic-sized pools. They are all connected by their purpose of holding water for swimming or other activities.

Green group: IN THE NATO PHONETIC ALPHABET

These are all letters in the NATO phonetic alphabet, used for clear communication over radio and other communications systems. They are all connected by their use in this system.

Blue group: FORD MODELS

These are all models of cars made by Ford, including the Bronco, Fiesta, Mustang, and Pinto. They are all connected by their manufacturer.

Purple group: ___ SEAL

These are all types of seals, including elephant seals, great seals, navy seals, and vacuum seals. They are all connected by their function or type.

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.

GOLF

Seems like it belongs to: FORD MODELS

Actually belongs to: IN THE NATO PHONETIC ALPHABET

Golf is a model of car, but in this context, it's a letter in the NATO phonetic alphabet

BRONCO

Seems like it belongs to: IN THE NATO PHONETIC ALPHABET

Actually belongs to: FORD MODELS

Bronco is a type of horse, but in this context, it's a model of car

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “GOLF” didn't go with FORD MODELS

Seems like: FORD MODELS → Actually: IN THE NATO PHONETIC ALPHABET

Golf is a model of car, but in this context, it's a letter in the NATO phonetic alphabet

Why “BRONCO” didn't go with IN THE NATO PHONETIC ALPHABET

Seems like: IN THE NATO PHONETIC ALPHABET → Actually: FORD MODELS

Bronco is a type of horse, but in this context, it's a model of car

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