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Connections Hints for January 21, 2026 #954

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for January 21, 2026 #954

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Yellow Category — January 21, 2026

Green Category — January 21, 2026

Blue Category — January 21, 2026

Purple Category — January 21, 2026

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Green group — BEDDING

Why is “SHAM” in the Green group?

a decorative cover for a pillow, often made of fabric

Blue group — PLAGIARIZE

Why is “CRIB” in the Blue group?

to cheat or plagiarize, especially on a test

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (January 21, 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.

CRIB
Definition: to cheat or plagiarize, especially on a test
Why it's tricky: multiple meanings, including a baby's bed
MOBILE
Definition: a device that can be moved, especially a phone
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a decorative object that hangs from the ceiling
SHEET
Definition: a rectangular piece of fabric for a bed
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a flat, rectangular piece of material, such as paper
THROW
Definition: a type of blanket
Why it's tricky: can also mean to propel something through the air

Connections #954 explained

Why these words connect (January 21, 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: ITEMS TO RECYCLE

These are all common household items that can be recycled, including paper, plastic, and metal. They are often collected in separate bins and processed into new products.

Green group: BEDDING

These are all types of bedding, including blankets, sheets, and decorative covers. They are designed to provide comfort and warmth while sleeping.

Blue group: PLAGIARIZE

These are all words related to the act of plagiarizing, including copying, cribbing, and pirating. They involve passing off someone else's work as one's own.

Purple group: BATMAN'S "BAT" THINGS

These are all things related to Batman, including his vehicle, his signal, and his suit. They are all part of his crime-fighting arsenal.

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.

MOBILE

Seems like it belongs to: PLAGIARIZE

Actually belongs to: BATMAN'S "BAT" THINGS

while a mobile phone can be used to plagiarize, the word 'mobile' in this context refers to the Batmobile

SHEET

Seems like it belongs to: PLAGIARIZE

Actually belongs to: BEDDING

while a sheet of paper can be used to plagiarize, the word 'sheet' in this context refers to a type of bedding

COPY

Seems like it belongs to: BATMAN'S "BAT" THINGS

Actually belongs to: PLAGIARIZE

while Batman may copy his enemies' moves, the word 'copy' in this context refers to the act of plagiarizing

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “MOBILE” didn't go with PLAGIARIZE

Seems like: PLAGIARIZE → Actually: BATMAN'S "BAT" THINGS

while a mobile phone can be used to plagiarize, the word 'mobile' in this context refers to the Batmobile

Why “SHEET” didn't go with PLAGIARIZE

Seems like: PLAGIARIZE → Actually: BEDDING

while a sheet of paper can be used to plagiarize, the word 'sheet' in this context refers to a type of bedding

Why “COPY” didn't go with BATMAN'S "BAT" THINGS

Seems like: BATMAN'S "BAT" THINGS → Actually: PLAGIARIZE

while Batman may copy his enemies' moves, the word 'copy' in this context refers to the act of plagiarizing

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