Yellow group — BITS OF HARDWARE
Why is “Washer” in the Yellow group?
a small, flat, ring-shaped piece of material used to reduce friction
Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for March 5, 2026 #997
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Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Yellow group — BITS OF HARDWARE
a small, flat, ring-shaped piece of material used to reduce friction
Green group — GO BACK AND FORTH
a long, narrow board or plank balanced on a fulcrum, used for play
Word definitions
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.
Connections #997 explained
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.
These are all types of hardware used for construction or repair, including bolts, nuts, and screws.
These are all places where ideas are developed and tested, including incubators, labs, and sandboxes.
These are all actions that involve going back and forth, including alternating, seesawing, and switching.
These are all possible meanings of the prefix 'sub', including below, hero, replacement, and submarine.
These words were designed to mislead you. Understanding why they don't belong where you first think sharpens your game for tomorrow.
Seems like it belongs to: PLACES WHERE IDEAS ARE DEVELOPED
Actually belongs to: BITS OF HARDWARE
while 'test' can relate to development, in this context it's more closely related to hardware
Seems like it belongs to: BITS OF HARDWARE
Actually belongs to: GO BACK AND FORTH
while 'switch' can refer to a hardware component, in this context it's more closely related to changing between states
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Seems like: PLACES WHERE IDEAS ARE DEVELOPED → Actually: BITS OF HARDWARE
while 'test' can relate to development, in this context it's more closely related to hardware
Seems like: BITS OF HARDWARE → Actually: GO BACK AND FORTH
while 'switch' can refer to a hardware component, in this context it's more closely related to changing between states