Yellow group — STARTING WITH INCANTATIONS
Why is “hex” in the Yellow group?
a magical spell or curse, also referring to a key in computing
Connections Hints for June 12, 2026 #1096
Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for June 12, 2026 #1096
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Yellow Category — June 12, 2026
Green Category — June 12, 2026
Blue Category — June 12, 2026
Purple Category — June 12, 2026
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Purple group — STARTING WITH PARTS OF A RIVER
Why is “delta” in the Purple group?
a landform that forms at the mouth of a river, also referring to an airline
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (June 12, 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.
- charm
- Definition: a magical spell or formula
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a pleasing or attractive quality
- murder
- Definition: a group of crows
- Why it's tricky: commonly refers to the act of killing someone
- pride
- Definition: a group of lions
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a feeling of satisfaction or self-respect
- school
- Definition: a group of fish
- Why it's tricky: commonly refers to an educational institution
Connections #1096 explained
Why these words connect (June 12, 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: STARTING WITH INCANTATIONS
These words all start with magical or mystical terms, including charm, curse, hex, and spell, which are all related to magic or supernatural powers.
Green group: STARTING WITH ANIMAL GROUP NAMES
These words all start with collective nouns for animals, including murder, pack, pride, and school, which are all names for groups of specific animals.
Blue group: STARTING WITH SYNONYMS FOR "REPEAT"
These words all start with synonyms for 'repeat', including copy, echo, mirror, and quote, which are all related to the act of repeating or duplicating something.
Purple group: STARTING WITH PARTS OF A RIVER
These words all start with parts of a river, including bank, bed, delta, and mouth, which are all geographical features of a river.
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.
“pack”
Seems like it belongs to: STARTING WITH INCANTATIONS
Actually belongs to: STARTING WITH ANIMAL GROUP NAMES
pack can refer to a group of magical objects, but in this context, it refers to a group of rats
“mirror”
Seems like it belongs to: STARTING WITH PARTS OF A RIVER
Actually belongs to: STARTING WITH SYNONYMS FOR "REPEAT"
mirror can refer to the reflective surface of still water, but in this context, it refers to the act of repeating or reflecting an image
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “pack” didn't go with STARTING WITH INCANTATIONS
Seems like: STARTING WITH INCANTATIONS → Actually: STARTING WITH ANIMAL GROUP NAMES
pack can refer to a group of magical objects, but in this context, it refers to a group of rats
Why “mirror” didn't go with STARTING WITH PARTS OF A RIVER
Seems like: STARTING WITH PARTS OF A RIVER → Actually: STARTING WITH SYNONYMS FOR "REPEAT"
mirror can refer to the reflective surface of still water, but in this context, it refers to the act of repeating or reflecting an image