Green group — FISH
Why is “FLUKE” in the Green group?
a type of fish, also known as a summer flounder
Connections Hints for October 16, 2025 #857
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Yellow Category — October 16, 2025
Green Category — October 16, 2025
Blue Category — October 16, 2025
Purple Category — October 16, 2025
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Green group — FISH
Why is “CHAR” in the Green group?
a type of fish, also known as a char or arctic char
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (October 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.
- CRISP
- Definition: a type of fruit dessert
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a texture or a brand of computer chip
- SOUR
- Definition: having a crabby disposition
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a taste or a type of candy
- SKATE
- Definition: a type of fish
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a type of sports equipment or a verb meaning to glide
- SLUG
- Definition: a type of banana-based food
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a type of gastropod mollusk
Connections #857 explained
Why these words connect (October 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: FRUIT DESSERTS
These are all types of desserts made with fruit, often served warm and topped with a crunchy topping
Green group: CRABBY
These are all words that describe a crabby or irritated state, often used to describe someone's mood or demeanor
Blue group: FISH
These are all types of fish, often found in oceans or rivers and commonly consumed as food
Purple group: BANANA ___
These are all phrases that include the word banana, often used to describe a type of food or object
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.
“CRISP”
Seems like it belongs to: FISH
Actually belongs to: FRUIT DESSERTS
CRISP seems like it could be a type of fish, but it's actually a type of fruit dessert
“SOUR”
Seems like it belongs to: FRUIT DESSERTS
Actually belongs to: CRABBY
SOUR seems like it could be a type of fruit dessert, but it's actually a word that describes a crabby disposition
“SKATE”
Seems like it belongs to: BANANA ___
Actually belongs to: FISH
SKATE seems like it could be a type of banana-based food, but it's actually a type of fish
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “CRISP” didn't go with FISH
Seems like: FISH → Actually: FRUIT DESSERTS
CRISP seems like it could be a type of fish, but it's actually a type of fruit dessert
Why “SOUR” didn't go with FRUIT DESSERTS
Seems like: FRUIT DESSERTS → Actually: CRABBY
SOUR seems like it could be a type of fruit dessert, but it's actually a word that describes a crabby disposition
Why “SKATE” didn't go with BANANA ___
Seems like: BANANA ___ → Actually: FISH
SKATE seems like it could be a type of banana-based food, but it's actually a type of fish