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Connections Hints for October 18, 2025 #859

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 18, 2025 #859

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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 18, 2025

Green Category — October 18, 2025

Blue Category — October 18, 2025

Purple Category — October 18, 2025

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Purple group — HOMOPHONES OF SYNONYMS FOR "VEND"

Why is “TRAYED” in the Purple group?

past tense of to sell or display goods on a tray

Purple group — HOMOPHONES OF SYNONYMS FOR "VEND"

Why is “HOCK” in the Purple group?

to pawn or sell something, especially as a pledge for a loan

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (October 18, 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.

BREEZE
Definition: a gentle wind
Why it's tricky: can also refer to an easy task
CELL
Definition: a small room
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a biological cell or a phone
COAST
Definition: to glide without effort
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a shoreline
PEDAL
Definition: to sell
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a foot-operated lever

Connections #859 explained

Why these words connect (October 18, 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: GLIDE

These words all describe a smooth, effortless movement, often without much effort or resistance.

Green group: WORDS BEFORE "BALL" IN SPORTS

These words are all terms that come before the word 'ball' in the name of a sport.

Blue group: PROLIFIC ACTORS

These actors are all known for their extensive filmographies and versatility in their roles.

Purple group: HOMOPHONES OF SYNONYMS FOR "VEND"

These words are all homophones of synonyms for the word 'vend', meaning to sell or trade.

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.

RACQUET

Seems like it belongs to: GLIDE

Actually belongs to: WORDS BEFORE "BALL" IN SPORTS

Racquetball is a sport, but racquet is a word that comes before ball in the name of the sport, not a word that means to glide.

SKATE

Seems like it belongs to: WORDS BEFORE "BALL" IN SPORTS

Actually belongs to: GLIDE

Skate can be related to sports, but in this context, it means to glide on ice.

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “RACQUET” didn't go with GLIDE

Seems like: GLIDE → Actually: WORDS BEFORE "BALL" IN SPORTS

Racquetball is a sport, but racquet is a word that comes before ball in the name of the sport, not a word that means to glide.

Why “SKATE” didn't go with WORDS BEFORE "BALL" IN SPORTS

Seems like: WORDS BEFORE "BALL" IN SPORTS → Actually: GLIDE

Skate can be related to sports, but in this context, it means to glide on ice.

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