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Connections #194, published on December 22, 2023, groups its 16 words into classic Halloween costumes, bee creations, intervals of time, and animal homophones. Start with the spoiler-light hints below, then open the answer section when you are ready to check the groups.
Hints for Connections #194
Scan all 16 words before submitting a group. Some words may fit more than one association at first, so test whether a proposed set of four works as a complete category rather than relying on a single word that seems to fit.
- One group names familiar Halloween costumes.
- One group consists of things bees make or produce.
- One group can describe a span of time.
- For the last group, think of animal words that sound like the four answers.
Answers for December 22, 2023
Spoilers below. The category names and answers are confirmed in Christine Mielke’s Try Hard Guides answer guide, dated December 21, 2023.
| Category | Words |
|---|---|
| Classic Halloween costumes | ANGEL, CLOWN, PIRATE, WITCH |
| Bee creations | COMB, HIVE, HONEY, WAX |
| Interval of time | PERIOD, SPELL, STRETCH, WHILE |
| Animal homophones | DEAR, HAIR, HOARSE, WAIL |
How to approach the word bank
Connections asks players to sort 16 terms into four groups of four related words. The answer guide says the groups increase in difficulty and players can make up to four mistakes before the puzzle ends.
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- Read the entire word bank and note possible links, including meanings, sounds, and phrases.
- Look for a set with four clear members, then check that every word fits the same idea.
- Before submitting, consider whether any of the words could belong to a competing group. A plausible partial association is not enough if the remaining words do not complete a coherent set.
The animal-homophone category rewards listening as well as reading: each listed answer sounds like an animal name. The time-interval group uses words that can each refer to a span or period of time.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why the year and puzzle number matter
This answer key is for puzzle #194 from December 22, 2023. A search for “December 22” without a year can surface a different edition, so check both the date and puzzle number when matching an answer guide.
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