Yellow group — STOVE KNOB SETTINGS
Why is “simmer” in the Yellow group?
to cook something at a low temperature
Connections Hints for May 20, 2026 #1073
Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for May 20, 2026 #1073
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Yellow Category — May 20, 2026
Green Category — May 20, 2026
Blue Category — May 20, 2026
Purple Category — May 20, 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 — MUSIC THEORY CONCEPTS
Why is “interval” in the Blue group?
a distance between two musical notes
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (May 20, 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.
- key
- Definition: a musical concept
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a device for unlocking
- mode
- Definition: a musical concept
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a way of doing something
- scale
- Definition: a musical concept
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a series of numbers or a device for measuring weight
- force
- Definition: strength or power
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a police or military unit
Connections #1073 explained
Why these words connect (May 20, 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: STOVE KNOB SETTINGS
These are all settings for a stove knob, used to control the heat for cooking.
Green group: POTENCY
These are all words that refer to the strength or power of something, whether it be a physical force or a concept.
Blue group: MUSIC THEORY CONCEPTS
These are all concepts in music theory, used to describe and analyze music.
Purple group: "___ DAY" MOVIES
These are all movie titles that include the word 'day' in them, such as Groundhog Day and Independence Day.
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.
“key”
Seems like it belongs to: STOVE KNOB SETTINGS
Actually belongs to: MUSIC THEORY CONCEPTS
key can refer to a device for unlocking, but in this context it refers to a musical concept
“force”
Seems like it belongs to: MUSIC THEORY CONCEPTS
Actually belongs to: POTENCY
force can refer to a musical concept, but in this context it refers to strength or power
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “key” didn't go with STOVE KNOB SETTINGS
Seems like: STOVE KNOB SETTINGS → Actually: MUSIC THEORY CONCEPTS
key can refer to a device for unlocking, but in this context it refers to a musical concept
Why “force” didn't go with MUSIC THEORY CONCEPTS
Seems like: MUSIC THEORY CONCEPTS → Actually: POTENCY
force can refer to a musical concept, but in this context it refers to strength or power