Yellow group — STOVE KNOB SETTINGS
Why is “SIMMER” in the Yellow group?
a low, steady heat, often used for cooking delicate foods
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 pitches, often used in musical composition
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, not a physical object
- Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, including a physical object or a crucial element
- FORCE
- Definition: a measure of potency or strength
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a physical power or energy
- MODE
- Definition: a musical concept, a way of organizing notes
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a fashion or a method of operation
- SCALE
- Definition: a musical concept, a series of notes in a specific pattern
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a measure of size or a device for measuring weight
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 common settings found on a stove knob, used to control the heat or flame.
Green group: POTENCY
These are all words that describe a measure of strength, power, or intensity, often used in various contexts.
Blue group: MUSIC THEORY CONCEPTS
These are all basic concepts in music theory, used to describe and analyze music.
Purple group: "___ DAY" MOVIES
These are all movie titles that include a day of the week or a specific day, often used as a plot device or theme.
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.
“TRAINING”
Seems like it belongs to: POTENCY
Actually belongs to: "___ DAY" MOVIES
while training can imply a sense of strength or potency, it is actually part of a movie title
“FORCE”
Seems like it belongs to: "___ DAY" MOVIES
Actually belongs to: POTENCY
while force can be part of a movie title, it is actually a measure of potency or strength
“KEY”
Seems like it belongs to: STOVE KNOB SETTINGS
Actually belongs to: MUSIC THEORY CONCEPTS
while a key can be a physical object, in this context it refers to a musical concept
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “TRAINING” didn't go with POTENCY
Seems like: POTENCY → Actually: "___ DAY" MOVIES
while training can imply a sense of strength or potency, it is actually part of a movie title
Why “FORCE” didn't go with "___ DAY" MOVIES
Seems like: "___ DAY" MOVIES → Actually: POTENCY
while force can be part of a movie title, it is actually a measure of potency or strength
Why “KEY” didn't go with STOVE KNOB SETTINGS
Seems like: STOVE KNOB SETTINGS → Actually: MUSIC THEORY CONCEPTS
while a key can be a physical object, in this context it refers to a musical concept