Green group — STARTING WITH SYNONYMS FOR "SCRAM!"
Why is “SCATTERGORIES” in the Green group?
a creative game where players come up with unique words that fit certain categories
Connections Hints for November 17, 2025 #889
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Yellow Category — November 17, 2025
Green Category — November 17, 2025
Blue Category — November 17, 2025
Purple Category — November 17, 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 — STARTING WITH SYNONYMS FOR "SCRAM!"
Why is “LEAVENING” in the Green group?
the process of adding yeast to dough to make it rise
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (November 17, 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.
- LEAVENING
- Definition: a process of adding yeast to dough
- Why it's tricky: multiple meanings, including rising agent and lightening
- SCATTERGORIES
- Definition: a creative-thinking category-based party game
- Why it's tricky: uncommon word with multiple possible connections
- SHOO-IN
- Definition: a sure winner
- Why it's tricky: idiomatic expression with potential for misinterpretation
- VERBOTEN
- Definition: forbidden, especially in a humorous or ironic way
- Why it's tricky: less common word with potential for confusion
Connections #889 explained
Why these words connect (November 17, 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: "YOU BET"
These phrases are all used to convey certainty or confirmation, often in an informal setting. They can be used interchangeably in everyday conversation to show agreement or acceptance.
Green group: FORBIDDEN
These words all convey a sense of something being prohibited or restricted. They can be used in various contexts to imply that something is off-limits or not permitted.
Blue group: BASKETBALL SHOTS
These words all refer to different types of shots that can be taken in the game of basketball. Each shot has its own unique characteristics and requirements.
Purple group: STARTING WITH SYNONYMS FOR "SCRAM!"
These words all start with phrases or words that are synonyms for "scram", such as "go" or "shoo". They can be used in various contexts to convey a sense of urgency or movement.
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.
“GO-GETTER”
Seems like it belongs to: BASKETBALL SHOTS
Actually belongs to: STARTING WITH SYNONYMS FOR "SCRAM!"
while a go-getter might be a driven person, it's also a synonym for "scram" and fits the category title
“FADEAWAY”
Seems like it belongs to: FORBIDDEN
Actually belongs to: BASKETBALL SHOTS
the word fadeaway might imply something disappearing or being forbidden, but it's actually a type of basketball shot
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “GO-GETTER” didn't go with BASKETBALL SHOTS
Seems like: BASKETBALL SHOTS → Actually: STARTING WITH SYNONYMS FOR "SCRAM!"
while a go-getter might be a driven person, it's also a synonym for "scram" and fits the category title
Why “FADEAWAY” didn't go with FORBIDDEN
Seems like: FORBIDDEN → Actually: BASKETBALL SHOTS
the word fadeaway might imply something disappearing or being forbidden, but it's actually a type of basketball shot