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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

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

Blue group — MARVEL CHARACTERS

Why is “nightcrawler” in the Blue group?

a mutant superhero in the X-Men comics and movies, 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 coercion
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 elusive concept

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 different eras, including the beehive of the 1960s and the pompadour of the 18th century. They are all characterized by their distinctive shapes and structures.

Green group: MORE READILY

These are all adverbs or adjectives that indicate a preference or priority, such as 'first' or 'rather'. They are all used to express a degree of willingness or eagerness.

Blue group: MARVEL CHARACTERS

These are all characters from the Marvel Comics universe, including Daredevil, Hawkeye, and Wolverine. They are all known for their unique powers and abilities.

Purple group: WORDS AFTER "THE" IN "STAR WARS" MOVIE TITLES

These are all words that appear after 'the' in the titles of Star Wars movies, including 'The Empire Strikes Back' and 'The Last Jedi'. They are all significant to the Star Wars universe.

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, 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, in this context it's a Star Wars movie title

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