Connections · Hints and answers

Connections #1,171 hints and answers for Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Edited by Wyna Liu · Groups listed easiest to hardest: yellow, green, blue, purple

Connections #1,171 puts four groups of four on the board, running from the yellow group through to purple. For each group below: read the hint first, then show the category name when you want it, then the four words.

Group 1 - Yellow

Hint: These four belong together for one clean reason. If two of them pair up in your head first, let the other two confirm it.

SURFACE-LEVEL

COSMETIC · ONE-DIMENSIONAL · SKIN-DEEP · SUPERFICIAL

Group 2 - Green

Hint: Watch the longer entries: at least one of these four is a multi-word phrase, which usually points at the shape of the category.

SCI-FI PHENOMENA

HYPERSPACE · PARALLEL UNIVERSE · TELEPORTATION · TIME WARP

Group 3 - Blue

Hint: Watch the longer entries: at least one of these four is a multi-word phrase, which usually points at the shape of the category.

STEPHEN KING FILM ADAPTATIONS, WITH "THE"

GREEN MILE · LONG WALK · RUNNING MAN · SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION

Group 4 - Purple

Hint: Watch the longer entries: at least one of these four is a multi-word phrase, which usually points at the shape of the category.

ENDING IN ICE CREAM ORDERS

HARLEM SHAKE · INSIDE SCOOP · LICKETY-SPLIT · TRAFFIC CONE

Next on the board

Strands →

Theme clue: "Enjoying nature"