Yellow group — HAIRDOS
Why is “chignon” in the Yellow group?
a type of hairstyle where the hair is twisted and coiled at the back of the head
Connections Hints for May 23, 2026 #1076
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 23, 2026 #1076
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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 — May 23, 2026
Green Category — May 23, 2026
Blue Category — May 23, 2026
Purple Category — May 23, 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 — MARVEL CHARACTERS
Why is “nightcrawler” in the Blue group?
a mutant superhero in the X-Men comics, known for his teleportation ability
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (May 23, 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.
- force
- Definition: a metaphysical energy in the Star Wars universe
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to physical strength or a police/military unit
- last
- Definition: most recent, as in 'The Last Jedi'
- Why it's tricky: can also mean final or ultimate
- empire
- Definition: a major interstellar power in the Star Wars universe
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a historical or modern-day political entity
- phantom
- Definition: a title of a Star Wars movie, 'The Phantom Menace'
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a ghostly apparition or an unrealized threat
Connections #1076 explained
Why these words connect (May 23, 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: HAIRDOS
These are all names of hairstyles that were popular in the past, often characterized by their use of hair products and styling tools. They are connected by their shared purpose of styling and arranging hair.
Green group: MORE READILY
These are all words that convey a sense of preference or priority, often used to indicate that something should be done sooner rather than later. They are connected by their shared meaning of emphasizing the importance of timing.
Blue group: MARVEL CHARACTERS
These are all names of characters from the Marvel Comics universe, known for their superhuman abilities and roles in various teams and storylines. They are connected by their shared affiliation with Marvel and their appearances in comic books, movies, and other media.
Purple group: WORDS AFTER "THE" IN "STAR WARS" MOVIE TITLES
These are all words that appear in the titles of Star Wars movies, following the definite article 'the'. They are connected by their shared context of being part of the Star Wars franchise and their appearance in movie titles.
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.
“force”
Seems like it belongs to: MARVEL CHARACTERS
Actually belongs to: WORDS AFTER "THE" IN "STAR WARS" MOVIE TITLES
while 'force' can refer to superpowers, in this context it's a Star Wars movie title
“last”
Seems like it belongs to: MORE READILY
Actually belongs to: WORDS AFTER "THE" IN "STAR WARS" MOVIE TITLES
while 'last' can mean most recent, it's also a Star Wars movie title
“empire”
Seems like it belongs to: MARVEL CHARACTERS
Actually belongs to: WORDS AFTER "THE" IN "STAR WARS" MOVIE TITLES
while 'empire' can refer to a powerful organization, in this context it's a Star Wars movie title
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “force” didn't go with MARVEL CHARACTERS
Seems like: MARVEL CHARACTERS → Actually: WORDS AFTER "THE" IN "STAR WARS" MOVIE TITLES
while 'force' can refer to superpowers, in this context it's a Star Wars movie title
Why “last” didn't go with MORE READILY
Seems like: MORE READILY → Actually: WORDS AFTER "THE" IN "STAR WARS" MOVIE TITLES
while 'last' can mean most recent, it's also a Star Wars movie title
Why “empire” didn't go with MARVEL CHARACTERS
Seems like: MARVEL CHARACTERS → Actually: WORDS AFTER "THE" IN "STAR WARS" MOVIE TITLES
while 'empire' can refer to a powerful organization, in this context it's a Star Wars movie title