Connections clue archive
July 2026 Connections clues and definitions
Find an exact group explanation or check a puzzle word without revealing its category. Page 1 of 2.
Group guides
Why the words belong together
How FASHION, MODEL, MOLD and SHAPE Connect
FASHION, MODEL, MOLD and SHAPE can each mean to construct, form or design something.
Explain this connection →2026-07-31How CHEERIOS, FUNGUS, GLEEK and JOYSTICK Connect
The words begin with CHEER, FUN, GLEE and JOY, four terms associated with happiness, pleasure or celebration.
Explain this connection →2026-07-31How DINOSAUR, MUSHROOM, PLUMBER and PRINCESS Connect
The four words describe recognizable figure types associated with the Super Mario universe.
Explain this connection →2026-07-31How DAPPLE, JDATE, SLIME and SPEAR Connect
Removing the first letter from each entry leaves APPLE, DATE, LIME or PEAR, all recognizable fruit names.
Explain this connection →2026-07-30Why FAIR, GOOD, JUST and RIGHT Are Connected
FAIR, GOOD, JUST and RIGHT can all describe morally admirable conduct, decisions or people.
Explain this connection →2026-07-30Why CARNIVAL, CELEBRITY, PRINCESS and VIKING Are Connected
CARNIVAL, CELEBRITY, PRINCESS and VIKING are names used by companies operating passenger cruises.
Explain this connection →2026-07-30Why BEER PONG, BINGO, JUGGLING and POOL Are Connected
Each activity uses or involves more than one ball, although the balls serve very different purposes.
Explain this connection →2026-07-30Why DOT, MARK, MONEY and NOSE Are Connected
Adding ON THE before each word creates an established expression indicating exactness, accuracy or precise timing.
Explain this connection →2026-07-29Why BASIC, MID, PLAIN and VANILLA Mean Nondescript
In evaluative use, BASIC, MID, PLAIN and VANILLA can all characterize something as ordinary or lacking distinction.
Explain this connection →2026-07-29Why NAIL, RIVET, SCREW and STAPLE Are Fasteners
NAIL, RIVET, SCREW and STAPLE are devices used to attach, join or secure materials and components.
Explain this connection →2026-07-29How GEM, NUGGET, PEARL and WORD Become Units of Wisdom
Each word can precede “of wisdom” in an expression for a useful insight, observation or piece of advice.
Explain this connection →2026-07-29Why BLACK, CHALK, CORK and WHITE Complete Classroom Boards
Adding BOARDS to BLACK, CHALK, CORK and WHITE produces four established names for classroom display or writing surfaces.
Explain this connection →2026-07-28What Connects CAPTAIN, DIRECT, HEAD and LEAD?
CAPTAIN, DIRECT, HEAD and LEAD can each function as a verb for commanding, guiding or taking charge of an effort.
Explain this connection →2026-07-28What Connects CAMPER, CLARKS, CONVERSE and CROCS?
CAMPER, CLARKS, CONVERSE and CROCS are footwear brands, and every brand name in the group begins with the letter C.
Explain this connection →2026-07-28What Connects ANNAPOLIS, BOBSLED, EVEREST and OTTOMAN?
ANNAPOLIS, BOBSLED, EVEREST and OTTOMAN begin with ANNA, BOB, EVE and OTTO, names that read the same in either direction.
Explain this connection →2026-07-28What Connects EMPIRE, FUJI, GALA and HONEYCRISP?
EMPIRE, FUJI, GALA and HONEYCRISP are established names for varieties of apples, as the playful official category indicates.
Explain this connection →2026-07-27Why CARROT, ICICLE, KNITTING NEEDLE, and STALACTITE Go Together
The four objects differ in material and purpose, but each commonly has a long form that narrows toward an end.
Explain this connection →2026-07-27What Connects BEAM, HORSE, RINGS, and VAULT?
BEAM, HORSE, RINGS, and VAULT are pieces of equipment associated with distinct gymnastics events.
Explain this connection →2026-07-27What Connects DOPPLER, GRAVEYARD, PARADIGM, and STICK?
Each word can appear directly before SHIFT to create an established phrase from a different subject area.
Explain this connection →2026-07-27Why BELL, CART, HEART, and MAGNIFYING GLASS Go Together
These objects are commonly represented as interface symbols for notifications, purchases, favorites, and search.
Explain this connection →2026-07-26What Connects BLACKBERRY, DISCMAN, DVD PLAYER, and PLASMA TV?
These four answers belong together as consumer technologies associated with an earlier era of personal electronics and home entertainment.
Explain this connection →2026-07-26What Connects CARAPACE, GAS STATION, PASTRY CRUST, and ROWING BOAT?
The four answers are different things the word “shell” might denote: an animal covering, a branded station, a food exterior, and a boat.
Explain this connection →2026-07-24What Connects Canter, Fryer, Llama And None?
CANTER, FRYER, LLAMA, and NONE are HOMOPHONES OF RELIGIOUS ROLES. Their spellings point to ordinary words, while their sounds suggest cantor, friar, lama, and nun.
Explain this connection →2026-07-24What Connects Babble, Drone, Ramble And Yak?
BABBLE, DRONE, RAMBLE, and YAK form the TALK AT LENGTH group in the July 24, 2026 Connections puzzle. Here is how each word fits and why the set can be easy to miss.
Explain this connection →2026-07-24What Connects Home Run, Single, Strikeout And Walk?
HOME RUN, SINGLE, STRIKEOUT, and WALK are all OUTCOMES FOR A BATTER in the July 24, 2026 Connections puzzle. This guide explains the baseball logic and the board's distractions.
Explain this connection →Word reference
Spoiler-safe definitions
Connections Words Defined for July 31, 2026
A spoiler-safe reference for the ordinary meanings and established alternate uses of every word on the board.
Read the definitions →2026-07-30Connections Words Defined for July 30, 2026
Plain-language meanings for every board entry, presented individually and in the puzzle's original order.
Read the definitions →2026-07-29Connections #1144 Word Definitions for July 29, 2026
A spoiler-safe reference for every board word, preserving the puzzle's original order and exact spelling.
Read the definitions →2026-07-28Connections #1143 Word Definitions for July 28, 2026
A board-order reference to the ordinary meanings and established uses of every word in Connections #1143.
Read the definitions →2026-07-27Connections Words Defined for July 27, 2026
A spoiler-safe reference for checking the ordinary meanings and established uses of every word on the board.
Read the definitions →