Blue group — THINGS WITH ADHESIVE SURFACES
Why is “LINT ROLLER” in the Blue group?
a small tool used to remove lint from clothing
Connections Hints for January 30, 2026 #963
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Yellow Category — January 30, 2026
Green Category — January 30, 2026
Blue Category — January 30, 2026
Purple Category — January 30, 2026
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Purple group — ___ HAND
Why is “POKER” in the Purple group?
a type of card game
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (January 30, 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.
- PATCH
- Definition: a small area of land
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a software update
- COMPACT
- Definition: a type of cosmetic case
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to something that is small in size
- STICKER
- Definition: a small adhesive label
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a person who persists in a place
- TAPE
- Definition: a type of adhesive material
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a recording or a type of athletic equipment
Connections #963 explained
Why these words connect (January 30, 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: REGION
These words all refer to areas or sections of land, including a general term and more specific examples.
Green group: GROOMING ITEMS
These words all refer to items used for personal grooming, including tools for hair, nails, and skin.
Blue group: THINGS WITH ADHESIVE SURFACES
These words all refer to objects that have adhesive surfaces, including medical supplies and household items.
Purple group: ___ HAND
These words all complete phrases that include the word 'hand', including idiomatic expressions and descriptive terms.
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.
“PATCH”
Seems like it belongs to: GROOMING ITEMS
Actually belongs to: REGION
while a patch can refer to a small area of skin, it is not a grooming item
“STICKER”
Seems like it belongs to: REGION
Actually belongs to: THINGS WITH ADHESIVE SURFACES
while a sticker can be used to mark a region, it is primarily an adhesive surface
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “PATCH” didn't go with GROOMING ITEMS
Seems like: GROOMING ITEMS → Actually: REGION
while a patch can refer to a small area of skin, it is not a grooming item
Why “STICKER” didn't go with REGION
Seems like: REGION → Actually: THINGS WITH ADHESIVE SURFACES
while a sticker can be used to mark a region, it is primarily an adhesive surface