These are the hints and complete answers for Connections puzzle #555, from Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Start with the gentle clues below and stop before the spoiler section if you want to solve it yourself.
Hints for Connections #555
The hints move from broad to specific. Each points to one of the four categories without giving away its full set immediately.
- Yellow: Spirit.
- Green: On the…
- Blue: For wrapping and writing.
- Purple: 40-15.
Words on the December 17 board
The sixteen words were TISSUE, CARPET, WAX, PLUCK, DRAG, NERVE, CLAY, GRAPH, GRASS, ARTERY, HARD, HEART, DRIVE, GRIT, CONSTRUCTION, and AVENUE.
Spoilers: the four answers
Stop here if you do not want the categories or groups revealed.
#1 Best Overall
| Color | Category | Words | How the connection works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow | INTREPIDITY | GRIT, HEART, NERVE, PLUCK | Each word can describe courage or boldness. |
| Green | ROAD | ARTERY, AVENUE, DRAG, DRIVE | Each can mean a road or route. |
| Blue | KINDS OF PAPER | CONSTRUCTION, GRAPH, TISSUE, WAX | Each word names a type of paper. |
| Purple | KINDS OF TENNIS COURTS | CARPET, CLAY, GRASS, HARD | Each names a tennis-court surface. |
Why the tricky words fit
Several entries have familiar meanings outside their groups. Here, ARTERY and DRIVE are road terms, while DRAG also has that less-common meaning. CONSTRUCTION, GRAPH, TISSUE, and WAX all modify “paper” to form paper types. The final set is about court surfaces used in tennis, not kinds of tennis shots or equipment.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How Connections works
Players select four of the sixteen words that share a connection. The game groups answers by color-coded difficulty, and players can make up to four mistakes. The puzzle can be played through NYT Games on desktop or mobile.
Quick Recap
Rank #2
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