Connections clue archive
September 2026 Connections clues and definitions
Find an exact group explanation or check a puzzle word without revealing its category. Page 1 of 5.
Group guides
Why the words belong together
Why these are THINGS THAT ARE SHAKEN (NOT STIRRED)
Each item is commonly shaken as part of erasing, preparing, mixing or playing it, matching the category’s exact parenthetical distinction.
Explain this connection →2026-09-30How STARTING WITH MONTH ABBREVIATIONS works
The beginnings DEC, NOV, OCT and SEPT are standard calendar shorthand embedded at the front of four otherwise unrelated entries.
Explain this connection →2026-09-30How the SECURITIES group works
BOND, FUTURE, OPTION and STOCK all belong to the official broad financial category SECURITIES.
Explain this connection →2026-09-30How the GANGSTER MOVIES group fits
BUGSY, CASINO, DONNIE BRASCO and SCARFACE must all be read as film titles rather than as ordinary words, labels or names.
Explain this connection →2026-09-29PHRASES HIDING GREEK LETTERS Connections Group Explained
FREEZE TAG, HOME GAME, MODEL TANK and ORAL PHASE contain ZETA, OMEGA, DELTA and ALPHA across their word boundaries.
Explain this connection →2026-09-29FIRST WORDS OF PIXAR FILMS Connections Group Explained
FINDING, INSIDE, MONSTERS and TOY each occupy the opening position in the title of a Pixar film.
Explain this connection →2026-09-29SECLUDED Connections Group Explained
HIDDEN, REMOTE, SECRET and TUCKED AWAY all describe separation from ordinary view, access or company.
Explain this connection →2026-09-29RIVER FEATURES Connections Group Explained
DELTA, DRAINAGE BASIN, MOUTH and STREAM BED name distinct landforms or areas associated with a river system.
Explain this connection →2026-09-28How the OYSTER CONDIMENTS Group Works
HORSERADISH, LEMON, MIGNONETTE, and TABASCO are additions that can be served with oysters to supply heat, acidity, or brightness.
Explain this connection →2026-09-28Why These Are THINGS WITH STALKS
BAMBOO, CELERY, CORN, and WHEAT share the broad physical feature named by the official category: each is a thing with a stalk.
Explain this connection →2026-09-28How to Identify the DODGE MODELS
CHALLENGER, CHARGER, DURANGO, and VIPER are names used for models in the Dodge vehicle lineup, despite their many ordinary readings.
Explain this connection →2026-09-28Explaining THREE LETTERS PLUS REPEATED TRIGRAMS
Each answer divides into an initial three-letter unit followed by the same three-letter sequence twice, creating a precise spelling pattern.
Explain this connection →2026-09-27TELECOM group guide for September 27, 2026
CARRIER, NETWORK, OPERATOR and PROVIDER are broad terms regularly used for organizations, systems and roles within telecommunications.
Explain this connection →2026-09-27ENDING IN CHINESE DYNASTIES group guide for September 27, 2026
BBQING, HOMING, LOHAN and WU-TANG each finish with the complete name of a Chinese dynasty when their final letters are isolated.
Explain this connection →2026-09-27RESTAURANT SEATING OPTIONS group guide for September 27, 2026
BANQUETTE, BOOTH, CHAIR and STOOL are distinct kinds or arrangements of seating that a restaurant may offer its guests.
Explain this connection →2026-09-27SCULPTURE MEDIA group guide for September 27, 2026
BRONZE, CLAY, MARBLE and PLASTER connect as materials in which sculptural work can be formed, carved, cast or modeled.
Explain this connection →2026-09-26Why GUM, MINT, MOUTHWASH and SPRAY Are Breath Fresheners
This concrete set brings together four familiar options used to make breath smell fresher.
Explain this connection →2026-09-26How the Dress-Shirt Laundry Group Works
The four words identify treatments or actions that a laundry may apply to a dress shirt.
Explain this connection →2026-09-26Why BURL, GRAIN, KNOTS and RINGS Are Features of Wood
These four words name visible structures, patterns or irregularities associated with trees and their wood.
Explain this connection →2026-09-26How BEANS, CAT, CUCUMBER and CUSTOMER Complete “Cool” Expressions
Each answer participates in a familiar expression that uses COOL, although one requires extra linking words.
Explain this connection →2026-09-25How the Taxonomic Ranks Plus a Letter Pattern Works
Removing one added letter from each entry produces ORDER, CLASS, FAMILY and GENUS, four ranks used in biological classification.
Explain this connection →2026-09-25Why BOUGIE, FANCY, POSH and SWANK Mean LUXE
BOUGIE, FANCY, POSH and SWANK all describe upscale style, surroundings or comforts and therefore satisfy LUXE directly.
Explain this connection →2026-09-25How the Mechanical Clock Parts Group Works
ESCAPEMENT, PENDULUM, RATCHET and SPRING are all components found in the operation or regulation of a mechanical clock.
Explain this connection →2026-09-25Which Famous Dans Match These Four Surnames?
AYKROYD, LEVY, RATHER and SAVAGE are surnames that complete the recognizable names of four people whose first name is Dan.
Explain this connection →Word reference
Spoiler-safe definitions
Spoiler-safe definitions for Connections #1207
Look up each board entry independently without seeing categories, grouped answers or explanations of the puzzle’s relationships.
Read the definitions →2026-09-29Connections #1206 Board Word Definitions
A spoiler-safe reference for every board entry, preserving the original wording and order without arranging words by answer.
Read the definitions →2026-09-28Spoiler-Safe Definitions for Connections #1205
These board-order definitions clarify unfamiliar or ambiguous words without sorting entries or naming any answer relationship.
Read the definitions →2026-09-27Spoiler-safe definitions for Connections #1204 on September 27, 2026
A board-order glossary of ordinary meanings and established uses, written to clarify unfamiliar words without organizing them into answers.
Read the definitions →2026-09-26Spoiler-Safe Definitions for the September 26, 2026 Board
These entries explain each board word independently without sorting the words or identifying answer relationships.
Read the definitions →2026-09-25Spoiler-Safe Definitions for the September 25, 2026 Board
These concise entries explain ordinary meanings and established uses while keeping the puzzle's answer relationships separate.
Read the definitions →