Purple group — HOMOPHONES OF WORDS MEANING "BRUTAL"
Why is “GOREY” in the Purple group?
a homophone of 'gory', meaning brutal, likely referencing Edward Gorey, an American author
Connections Hints for January 29, 2026 #962
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 29, 2026 #962
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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 — January 29, 2026
Green Category — January 29, 2026
Blue Category — January 29, 2026
Purple Category — January 29, 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 — ENDING WITH DRINKING VESSELS
Why is “SILVERSTEIN” in the Blue group?
likely referencing Shel Silverstein, an American poet, with 'stein' meaning stone or drinking vessel
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (January 29, 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.
- STAIN
- Definition: a cosmetic product
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a discoloration
- LINER
- Definition: a type of makeup
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a ship or a sports player
- GRIMM
- Definition: a homophone of 'grim', meaning brutal
- Why it's tricky: also refers to the Brothers Grimm, famous fairy tale authors
- SCARRY
- Definition: a homophone of 'scary', meaning brutal
- Why it's tricky: similar to the name of author Richard Scarry
Connections #962 explained
Why these words connect (January 29, 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: MAKEUP
These are all types of makeup products used for various purposes, such as enhancing facial features or covering blemishes.
Green group: FEATURED IN GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS
These are all main characters or objects featured in the classic fairy tale 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears'.
Blue group: ENDING WITH DRINKING VESSELS
These are all words that end with types of drinking vessels, such as 'glass' or 'stein'.
Purple group: HOMOPHONES OF WORDS MEANING "BRUTAL"
These are all homophones of words that mean 'brutal' or 'violent', such as 'grim' or 'grisly'.
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.
“BEAR”
Seems like it belongs to: HOMOPHONES OF WORDS MEANING "BRUTAL"
Actually belongs to: FEATURED IN GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS
while 'bear' can be brutal, it's actually part of the Goldilocks story
“GRIZZLY”
Seems like it belongs to: FEATURED IN GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS
Actually belongs to: HOMOPHONES OF WORDS MEANING "BRUTAL"
while grizzly bears are featured in some stories, this word is actually a homophone of 'grisly', meaning brutal
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “BEAR” didn't go with HOMOPHONES OF WORDS MEANING "BRUTAL"
Seems like: HOMOPHONES OF WORDS MEANING "BRUTAL" → Actually: FEATURED IN GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS
while 'bear' can be brutal, it's actually part of the Goldilocks story
Why “GRIZZLY” didn't go with FEATURED IN GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS
Seems like: FEATURED IN GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS → Actually: HOMOPHONES OF WORDS MEANING "BRUTAL"
while grizzly bears are featured in some stories, this word is actually a homophone of 'grisly', meaning brutal