Purple group — EQUESTRIAN GEAR
Why is “HALTER” in the Purple group?
a rope or strap used to lead or restrain a horse
Connections Hints for January 11, 2026 #944
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Yellow Category — January 11, 2026
Green Category — January 11, 2026
Blue Category — January 11, 2026
Purple Category — January 11, 2026
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Blue group — PLUNGE
Why is “CRATER” in the Blue group?
a large hole formed by a collapse or explosion
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (January 11, 2026)
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.
- BAND
- Definition: a group of people with a common purpose
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a musical group
- CROP
- Definition: a riding whip
- Why it's tricky: more commonly refers to a plant grown for food
- TANK
- Definition: to fail or decline
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a container for liquids
- STOPPER
- Definition: a device to block a sink drain
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to something that stops an action
Connections #944 explained
Why these words connect (January 11, 2026)
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: GROUP
These words all describe a collective of individuals with a shared purpose or activity, such as a team or a crew.
Green group: PLUNGE
These words all describe a sudden or dramatic downward movement, such as a crash or a drop.
Blue group: PARTS OF A SINK
These words all describe different parts of a sink, such as the basin or the faucet.
Purple group: EQUESTRIAN GEAR
These words all describe different pieces of equipment used for horse riding, such as a saddle or a halter.
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.
“CROP”
Seems like it belongs to: PLUNGE
Actually belongs to: EQUESTRIAN GEAR
CROP is a type of riding whip, not a verb meaning to cut or harvest
“TANK”
Seems like it belongs to: EQUESTRIAN GEAR
Actually belongs to: PLUNGE
TANK is a verb meaning to fail, not a container for liquids in this context
“BIT”
Seems like it belongs to: PLUNGE
Actually belongs to: EQUESTRIAN GEAR
BIT is a piece of equipment for a horse's mouth, not a small amount or a part of something
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “CROP” didn't go with PLUNGE
Seems like: PLUNGE → Actually: EQUESTRIAN GEAR
CROP is a type of riding whip, not a verb meaning to cut or harvest
Why “TANK” didn't go with EQUESTRIAN GEAR
Seems like: EQUESTRIAN GEAR → Actually: PLUNGE
TANK is a verb meaning to fail, not a container for liquids in this context
Why “BIT” didn't go with PLUNGE
Seems like: PLUNGE → Actually: EQUESTRIAN GEAR
BIT is a piece of equipment for a horse's mouth, not a small amount or a part of something