Issue #690 Sun 23 Mar
Connections hints — March 23, 2025
Today's grid offers a steady climb. With two distinct synonym sets and a pair of specific wordplay groups, the path forward requires sorting through several potential overlaps before the final arrangement clicks into place.
yellow group 7 nudges
Yellow group
The lecture hall went silent, every head turned forward, and the hum of the air conditioner was the only thing left in the room.
Mental engagement
Synonyms
Members are 4–8 letters; first letters A, E, G, R.
CAPTIVATE
One is ABSORB.
ABSORB · ENTRANCE · GRAB · RIVET
green group 7 nudges
Green group
A moth hitting the porch light, a paper construction tossed from a desk, or the nursery rhyme character perched on a wall.
Common associations
Compound word components
Members are 3–8 letters; first letters A, F, H.
THINGS WITH WINGS
One is AIRPLANE.
AIRPLANE · FAIRY · FLY · HOSPITAL
blue group 7 nudges
Blue group
Checking the time on your phone, then checking the time on your arm, then realizing the kitchen timer is still ticking down.
Timekeeping devices
Compound word modifiers
Members are 4–6 letters; first letters P, S, W.
WORDS THAT MODIFY “WATCH”
One is POCKET.
POCKET · SMART · STOP · WRIST
violet group 7 nudges
Violet group
Clapping your hands in time, missing a beat, and starting the rhythm over from the very beginning.
Nursery rhyme lyrics
Lexical components
Members are 4–7 letters; first letters B, M.
WORDS REPEATED IN “MISS MARY MACK”
One is BACK.
BACK · BLACK · BUTTONS · MACK