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Connections Hints for October 26, 2025 #867

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 26, 2025 #867

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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 26, 2025

Green Category — October 26, 2025

Blue Category — October 26, 2025

Purple Category — October 26, 2025

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Green group — WORDS WITH DIMINUTIVE SUFFIXES

Why is “KITCHENETTE” in the Green group?

a small kitchen, often in a hotel room or apartment

Green group — WORDS WITH DIMINUTIVE SUFFIXES

Why is “DROPLET” in the Green group?

a small drop of liquid

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (October 26, 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.

STING
Definition: a sharp, sudden pain, or a part of a bee or wasp
Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, including a painful sensation and a part of an insect
FLOAT
Definition: to rest or remain suspended on the surface of a liquid
Why it's tricky: can also mean to move smoothly and continuously
STARLING
Definition: a type of bird, or a suffix forming a diminutive noun
Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, including a type of bird and a suffix
POPULARITY
Definition: the state of being liked or admired by many people
Why it's tricky: can be confused with other types of contests

Connections #867 explained

Why these words connect (October 26, 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: KINDS OF INSTRUMENTS

These are all categories of instruments, including brass, percussion, string, and wind, which are all used in various types of music and are often found in orchestras.

Green group: WORDS IN A FAMOUS MUHAMMAD ALI QUOTE

These words are all part of the famous quote 'Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee', which was spoken by Muhammad Ali before his fight against Sonny Liston in 1964.

Blue group: KINDS OF CONTESTS

These are all types of contests, including beauty pageants, popularity contests, staring contests, and talent shows, which are all used to determine a winner or to showcase skills.

Purple group: WORDS WITH DIMINUTIVE SUFFIXES

These words all have diminutive suffixes, including -y, -let, and -ette, which are used to form smaller or more affectionate versions of words.

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.

BEE

Seems like it belongs to: KINDS OF INSTRUMENTS

Actually belongs to: WORDS IN A FAMOUS MUHAMMAD ALI QUOTE

The word 'bee' might seem like it belongs to the instruments category, but it's actually part of the famous Muhammad Ali quote.

STARLING

Seems like it belongs to: KINDS OF CONTESTS

Actually belongs to: WORDS WITH DIMINUTIVE SUFFIXES

The word 'starling' might seem like it belongs to the contests category, but it's actually a type of bird and belongs to the diminutive suffixes category.

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “BEE” didn't go with KINDS OF INSTRUMENTS

Seems like: KINDS OF INSTRUMENTS → Actually: WORDS IN A FAMOUS MUHAMMAD ALI QUOTE

The word 'bee' might seem like it belongs to the instruments category, but it's actually part of the famous Muhammad Ali quote.

Why “STARLING” didn't go with KINDS OF CONTESTS

Seems like: KINDS OF CONTESTS → Actually: WORDS WITH DIMINUTIVE SUFFIXES

The word 'starling' might seem like it belongs to the contests category, but it's actually a type of bird and belongs to the diminutive suffixes category.

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