Purple group — WHAT "PA" MIGHT REFER TO
Why is “PROTACTINIUM” in the Purple group?
a radioactive, metallic element with the symbol Pa
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 29, 2026 #1082
Want to see NYT Connections hints? Below you'll find complete solutions and explanations. Want to try solving it yourself first? Visit the NYT Connections game 2026-05-29. Looking for today's NYT Connections hint? Head to our home page or play today's connection game here.
Navigation tip: Use the arrows below to browse through past puzzles. Each puzzle is organized from easiest (yellow) to hardest (purple) categories.
Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Purple group — WHAT "PA" MIGHT REFER TO
a radioactive, metallic element with the symbol Pa
Green group — SOURCES OF DISTINCTIVE SMELLS
a tropical fruit known for its strong, unpleasant odor
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 #1082 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 the world's major oceans, which cover over 70% of the Earth's surface and are home to a diverse range of marine life, including the Arctic Ocean, which is the smallest and coldest, and the Pacific Ocean, which is the largest and deepest.
These are all things that are known for having strong, distinctive smells, including ammonia, which is a pungent chemical compound, and durian, which is a tropical fruit infamous for its unpleasant odor, as well as body odor and the smell of a wet dog.
These are all types of rooms that might be found in a grand mansion, including a billiard room, which is a space for recreational activities, and a powder room, which is a small room for personal grooming, as well as a drawing room and a reading room, which are spaces for relaxation and entertainment.
These are all things that the abbreviation 'PA' might refer to, including Pennsylvania, which is a state in the United States, and public address, which is a system for amplifying sound, as well as the chemical element protactinium and the word 'father', which is a common term for a male parent.
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: SOURCES OF DISTINCTIVE SMELLS
Actually belongs to: KINDS OF ROOMS IN A MANSION
while reading can be associated with books and libraries, which might have a musty smell, the word 'reading' in this context refers to a type of room
Seems like it belongs to: SOURCES OF DISTINCTIVE SMELLS
Actually belongs to: KINDS OF ROOMS IN A MANSION
billiard rooms might have a distinct smell due to the tables and equipment, but the word 'billiard' in this context refers to a type of room
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Seems like: SOURCES OF DISTINCTIVE SMELLS → Actually: KINDS OF ROOMS IN A MANSION
while reading can be associated with books and libraries, which might have a musty smell, the word 'reading' in this context refers to a type of room
Seems like: SOURCES OF DISTINCTIVE SMELLS → Actually: KINDS OF ROOMS IN A MANSION
billiard rooms might have a distinct smell due to the tables and equipment, but the word 'billiard' in this context refers to a type of room