Purple group — N.B.A. TEAMS
Why is “HORNETS” in the Purple group?
A professional basketball team based in Charlotte, North Carolina
Connections Hints for October 21, 2025 #862
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 21, 2025 #862
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Yellow Category — October 21, 2025
Green Category — October 21, 2025
Blue Category — October 21, 2025
Purple Category — October 21, 2025
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Blue group — THINGS YOU CAN CONTROL WITH REMOTES
Why is “WIIS” in the Blue group?
A line of home video game consoles developed by Nintendo
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (October 21, 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.
- BUCKS
- Definition: N.B.A. team based in Milwaukee
- Why it's tricky: Could be mistaken for a unit of currency
- DOES
- Definition: Performs or accomplishes
- Why it's tricky: Has multiple meanings, including 'exists' or 'is'
- HANDLES
- Definition: Manages or deals with
- Why it's tricky: Could be mistaken for physical handles
- TACKLES
- Definition: Addresses or takes on a challenge
- Why it's tricky: Has multiple meanings, including a football term
Connections #862 explained
Why these words connect (October 21, 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: PLAYING CARDS
These are all ranks in a standard deck of playing cards, including the highest rank, the Ace, and the face cards
Green group: TAKES ON
These are all verbs that mean to take on or confront a challenge, including 'addresses' and 'tackles'
Blue group: N.B.A. TEAMS
These are all teams that compete in the National Basketball Association, including the Milwaukee Bucks and the Chicago Bulls
Purple group: THINGS YOU CAN CONTROL WITH REMOTES
These are all things that can be controlled using remote controls, including electronic devices and vehicles
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.
“KINGS”
Seems like it belongs to: N.B.A. TEAMS
Actually belongs to: PLAYING CARDS
While there is an N.B.A. team called the Kings, the word 'KINGS' in this puzzle refers to a playing card rank
“BUCKS”
Seems like it belongs to: THINGS YOU CAN CONTROL WITH REMOTES
Actually belongs to: N.B.A. TEAMS
Although 'bucks' can refer to a unit of currency that can be used to buy remote-controlled devices, in this puzzle it refers to the Milwaukee Bucks N.B.A. team
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “KINGS” didn't go with N.B.A. TEAMS
Seems like: N.B.A. TEAMS → Actually: PLAYING CARDS
While there is an N.B.A. team called the Kings, the word 'KINGS' in this puzzle refers to a playing card rank
Why “BUCKS” didn't go with THINGS YOU CAN CONTROL WITH REMOTES
Seems like: THINGS YOU CAN CONTROL WITH REMOTES → Actually: N.B.A. TEAMS
Although 'bucks' can refer to a unit of currency that can be used to buy remote-controlled devices, in this puzzle it refers to the Milwaukee Bucks N.B.A. team