December 15, 2024 Connections Puzzle #553 Hints and Answers

Struggling to complete today’s Connections puzzle? You’re not alone! While many may find this edition easier than some recent ones, it still presents a range of challenging elements that can trip you up. To navigate through these hurdles, we’ve compiled some essential hints and strategies to help you conquer the puzzle.

If you’re in the mood for a different type of word challenge, consider trying the NYT Spelling Bee puzzle. In this engaging format, you generate words from a given set of letters. Typically, you can discover around 7-10 words, allowing you to boost your score and show off your skills to friends who enjoy puzzle fun.

Today’s Connections Category Hints

December 15 #553

Connections Categories for December 15 Puzzle

Today’s puzzle features intriguing word groupings that might challenge your logic. Some answers may seem misleading at first glance. As is often the case, the purple category can be particularly perplexing. Here are some hints to assist you:

A category related to enhancing the quality of another item
A category consisting of terms indicating poor performance
A category reflecting the way you might examine a book in a store
A category involving names lacking an essential element

If these hints aren’t enough, you can utilize the category names included below, or feel free to jump straight to the answers.

SPICES

PERFORM POORLY

SKIM THROUGH, AS PAGES

POP SINGERS MINUS “S”

Today’s Connections Answers

December 15 #553

Connections Answers for December 15 Puzzle

Yellow Answers: Revealed & Explained

SPICES
CLOVE	WOMAN	NUT ME	PEPPER

While it’s straightforward to identify this category, MACE might confuse some as it can refer to both a spice and a weapon (like a FLAIL). Other weapon-related words like SPEAR and TANK add to the complexity. MACE may be less familiar to some as a spice, which could present an additional challenge. Hopefully, these nuances don’t trip you up as they did for me.

Green Answers: Revealed & Explained

PERFORM POORLY
FLAIL	FLOP	FLOUNDER	TANK

In the world of performance, a FLOP is typically recognized as underwhelming. This concept frequently applies to entertainment, but it can extend to any sphere. Personally, the term TANK posed a challenge for me; it was tough to separate it from its other meanings. FLOUNDER can refer to a fish, but with no other aquatic options present, its connection was clearer. Avoiding pitfalls in this category could save you some frustration!

Blue Answers: Revealed & Explained

SKIM THROUGH, AS PAGES
FLIP	LEAF	RIFFLE	THUMB

This category was particularly enjoyable for me – likely due to my affinity for perusing bookstores and FLIPPING through potential purchases. I also appreciate the term LEAF, given that a page can often be referred to as such. However, I find the image of THUMBing through pages somewhat unappealing, while RIFFLE captivates me with its sound and association! Whatever the case, this category definitely stood out today.

Purple Answers: Revealed & Explained

POP SINGERS MINUS “S”
KEY	MAR	SPEAR	STYLE

For many, this last category can be the most challenging, especially for those less versed in pop music. Without the correct context, identifying names that lack the “S” can be tricky. However, once the other categories are completed, this section often becomes easier to approach. With some luck, you may tackle this category without needing it as a last resort!

Other Games Like Connections

If you’re eager for more puzzles, check out the options below for your next challenge.

Game Name	How To Play	Is It Free To Play?
Wordle (NOW)	Solve a random five-letter word using color-coded hints. Answers are available in our regularly updated list.	Yes
Prime	Guess a five-digit number within six tries.	Yes
Crosswordle	Identify two intersecting words like a crossword puzzle.	Yes
The Password Game	Create a password in this dynamic and challenging game. Helpful tips can be found in our guide.	Yes