I am analyzing the 16 available words: DODGE, DUCK, SENATOR, STAR, LINCOLN, RAM, DIVE, WING, FORD, FLYER, CHIP, SCRAPER, DIP, ROCKET, LARK, FRY. 1. **Car Brands:** FORD, DODGE, RAM, LINCOLN. This looks like a very strong category. 2. **Move Downward/Avoid:** DUCK, DIP, DIVE, DODGE. (DODGE overlaps with cars). 3. **Pro Sports Teams (singular versions):** SENATOR (NHL/MLB), ROCKET (NBA), STAR (NHL/NFL), FLYER (NHL). (RAM and WING also fit sports themes, RAM is NFL, WING is NHL/WNBA). 4. **Words prefixed with "SKY":** SCRAPER, DIVING (not here), ROCKET (not usually), FLYER (no), LARK (no). 5. **Types of potato/food:** CHIP, FRY, DIP, WING. (This is a very common type of "Appetizers" or "Potato/Chicken" category). Let's test the Car Brands first as they seem non-overlapping with the "Food" category. Category: Car Brands Words: DODGE, FORD, LINCOLN, RAM. Wait, if DODGE is in "Moves to avoid/downward" (DODGE, DUCK, DIP, DIVE), then the car category might be FORD, LINCOLN, RAM... and what else? There are no other clear car brands. If DODGE is in cars, then DIP, DIVE, DUCK needs a fourth word. Maybe LARK? No. Let's look at the "Appetizer/Snack" category: CHIP, FRY, WING, DIP. This looks very solid. Let's look at the "Sports Teams" again: SENATOR, ROCKET, STAR, FLYER. This leaves: DODGE, DUCK, RAM, LINCOLN, DIVE, LARK, SCRAPER. Wait, let's re-evaluate: - CHIP, FRY, WING, DIP (Fast food / Snacks) - FORD, DODGE, RAM, LINCOLN (Car brands) - SENATOR, ROCKET, STAR, FLYER (NBA/NHL/MLB teams) - DUCK, DIVE, LARK, SCRAPER? No. Let's try: Group 1: DODGE, DUCK, DIP, DIVE (Physically move out of the way / "Patches O'Houlihan's 5 D's of Dodgeball" - though "Dive" and "Dodge" are there). Wait, "The 5 D's of Dodgeball": Dodge, Duck, Dip, Dive, and... Dodge. Looking at the remaining words: LINCOLN, FORD, RAM, CHIP, FRY, WING, SENATOR, STAR, FLYER, ROCKET, LARK, SCRAPER. Maybe: 1. Types of Birds: DUCK, LARK, FLYER, WING? No. 2. Words that follow "SKY": SCRAPER, ROCKET, LARK, DIVE? 3. Car Brands: FORD, LINCOLN, RAM, DODGE. 4. Professional Sports Teams: SENATOR, ROCKET, STAR, FLYER. 5. Fried/Snack things: CHIP, FRY, WING, DIP. 6. Things that move down: DIVE, DIP, DUCK, DODGE. If Group 3 is Cars and Group 5 is Snacks, DODGE and DIP/DIVE/DUCK overlap. If Group 4 is Sports and Group 2 is "Sky", there is overlap. Let's try the "Car Brands" first.

The previous guess was correct (Car Brands: DODGE, FORD, LINCOLN, RAM). The remaining words are: DUCK, SENATOR, STAR, DIVE, WING, FLYER, CHIP, SCRAPER, DIP, ROCKET, LARK, FRY. Let's look at potential categories again: 1. **Appetizers/Snacks:** CHIP, FRY, WING, DIP. This seems very cohesive. 2. **Professional Sports Teams (Singular):** SENATOR (Ottawa Senators), STAR (Dallas Stars), FLYER (Philadelphia Flyers), ROCKET (Houston Rockets). 3. **Hidden / Prefixed words:** - DUCK, DIVE, LARK, SCRAPER? - Words that follow "SKY": SKYDIVE, SKYLARK, SKYSCRAPER, SKY... (WING? FLYER? DUCK?). Ah, SKYDIVING, SKYSCRAPER, SKYLARK, SKYROCKET. Let's re-examine the remaining words if I move ROCKET to the "SKY" category: Remaining: DUCK, SENATOR, STAR, DIVE, WING, FLYER, CHIP, SCRAPER, DIP, ROCKET, LARK, FRY. If SKY category is: DIVE, ROCKET, LARK, SCRAPER. Remaining: DUCK, SENATOR, STAR, WING, FLYER, CHIP, DIP, FRY. Now look at the remaining 8: - CHIP, DIP, FRY, WING (Snacks/Appetizers) - DUCK, SENATOR, STAR, FLYER (Sports teams pluralized? Senators, Stars, Flyers, Ducks - Anaheim Ducks). This fits perfectly. ROCKET could be the Rockets, but if I use ROCKET for the "SKY" category, it allows DUCK to fit into the sports teams. Category 1: SKY ____ (DIVE, LARK, ROCKET, SCRAPER) Category 2: Appetizers (CHIP, DIP, FRY, WING) Category 3: NHL Teams (SENATOR, STAR, FLYER, DUCK) Let's test the Appetizers.

From the remaining words: DUCK, SENATOR, STAR, DIVE, FLYER, SCRAPER, ROCKET, LARK. I have identified two potential categories: 1. **Words starting with "SKY":** - SKYSCRAPER - SKYDIVE - SKYROCKET - SKYLARK 2. **NHL Teams (Singular):** - (Anaheim) DUCK - (Ottawa) SENATOR - (Dallas) STAR - (Philadelphia) FLYER These categories are mutually exclusive and use all remaining words perfectly. I will proceed with the "SKY" prefix category first.

The remaining words are DUCK, SENATOR, STAR, and FLYER. Based on my previous analysis, these are all singular versions of NHL team names: - Anaheim Ducks - Ottawa Senators - Dallas Stars - Philadelphia Flyers This completes the set.

1. **Analyze the available words:** BIRTH, MTV, FLOWER, START, FUSE, POLE, WED, GENESIS, FLY, COMBINE, ALF, VHS, BOND, DAY, NES, DAWN. 2. **Identify potential categories:** * **Beginning/Origin:** BIRTH, START, GENESIS, DAWN. This looks like a solid category for "Commencement." * **Acronyms/Initialisms from the 80s/90s:** MTV, NES, VHS, ALF (Alien Life Form). These are all iconic media/tech from a similar era. * **Words followed by "FLY":** FIREfly (not here), BUTTERfly (not here), HOUSEfly (not here), SAWfly (not here). Wait, let's look at **FLY** as a word itself. * **Connections to "JOIN":** WED, COMBINE, FUSE, BOND. These all mean to bring two things together. * **Remaining words:** FLOWER, POLE, DAY, FLY. Let's look at these. They all share a prefix or suffix? MAYfly, MAYpole, MAYday, MAYflower. Yes, words that can follow "MAY". 3. **Verify categories:** * **Category 1 (Origins):** BIRTH, DAWN, GENESIS, START. (Strong) * **Category 2 (To Join):** BOND, COMBINE, FUSE, WED. (Strong) * **Category 3 (Acronyms):** ALF, MTV, NES, VHS. (Strong) * **Category 4 (May ___):** DAY, FLOWER, FLY, POLE. (Strong) I will start with the "Origins" group.

1. **Analyze remaining words:** MTV, FLOWER, FUSE, POLE, WED, FLY, COMBINE, ALF, VHS, BOND, DAY, NES. 2. **Review identified potential categories:** * **To Join:** BOND, COMBINE, FUSE, WED. * **Acronyms/Initialisms:** ALF, MTV, NES, VHS. * **May ___:** DAY, FLOWER, FLY, POLE. 3. **Double-check for overlaps:** * "BOND" can be an investment, but it fits perfectly in "To Join". * "ALF" is a character/title, but fits the 3nd/4th letter acronym pattern with MTV/NES/VHS. * Everything seems to fit cleanly into these three remaining groups. 4. **Choose the next guess:** I'll go with the "To Join" group.

1. **Analyze remaining words:** ALF, DAY, FLOWER, FLY, MTV, NES, POLE, VHS. 2. **Review identified potential categories:** * **Acronyms/Initialisms:** ALF, MTV, NES, VHS. (These are all well-known abbreviations for 80s/90s icons: Alien Life Form, Music Television, Nintendo Entertainment System, Video Home System). * **May ___:** DAY, FLOWER, FLY, POLE. (Common terms prefixed with "May": Mayday, Mayflower, Mayfly, Maypole). 3. Both categories are very distinct with no obvious overlaps remaining. I will proceed with the "May ___" group.

1. **Analyze remaining words:** ALF, MTV, NES, VHS. 2. **Review identified potential category:** These are all prominent initialisms/acronyms often associated with 20th-century pop culture and technology. * ALF: Alien Life Form (TV show) * MTV: Music Television * NES: Nintendo Entertainment System * VHS: Video Home System 3. As these are the final four words, they must constitute the last category.

I am looking for groups of four related words. 1. **Prefixes to "-fish" or "-fly":** COBRA (no), FLY (itself), BUTTER (no)... not many options. 2. **Eddie Murphy characters/movies:** AKEEM (Coming to America), DOLITTLE (Dr. Dolittle), DONKEY (Shrek), FOLEY (Beverly Hills Cop). This looks like a solid category. 3. **Tsk-tsk/Shame:** TUT, TUT TUT, TSK, SHAME. 4. **Mario elements:** KONG (Donkey Kong), BARREL (from Donkey Kong/Mario), RACE (Mario Kart), ZIP (no), CAKE (Princess Peach's cake). This is a bit weak. 5. **Types of [Word] or idioms:** - "Bad ____": BAD COBRA (no), BAD FLY (no), BAD CAKE (no). - Words following "DR": DR. DOLITTLE, DR. KONG? No. 6. **Re-evaluating "Eddie Murphy Roles":** - AKEEM (Coming to America) - DOLITTLE (Dr. Dolittle) - DONKEY (Shrek) - FOLEY (Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop) This is a very strong connection. 7. **Re-evaluating "Disapproval sounds/expressions":** - TSK - TUT - TUT TUT - SHAME Wait, can "BAD" be in here? "Bad, bad!" or "Shame on you"? Let's look at the remaining words if I take the Murphy roles: Remaining: BAD, BARREL, CAKE, COBRA, FLY, KONG, RACE, SHAME, TSK, TUT, TUT TUT, ZIP. 8. **Looking for another set:** - Words starting with "CO": COBRA, ... no. - Words related to "Monkey": BARREL (of monkeys), KONG (King Kong), ... no. - "Fruit ___": FRUIT FLY, FRUIT CAKE, FRUIT BAT (not here), FRUIT COBRA (no). - "____ Race": ZIP race? No. - "____ Fly": FRUIT fly, FIRE fly, SHOOT fly... - Let's look at ZIP, BAD, COBRA, RACE: **Wait, "STREET" or "DRAG"?** - DRAG RACE, DRAG KING (no), DRAG QUEEN (no). - ZIP, BARREL, FLY, RACE? (Moving fast words?) 9. **Let's try the Eddie Murphy roles first as it's the most specific.**

The previous guess was correct (Eddie Murphy characters). Remaining words: COBRA, FLY, BAD, KONG, TSK, ZIP, TUT TUT, SHAME, BARREL, RACE, TUT, CAKE. 1. **Disapproval/Reprimanding:** TSK, TUT, TUT TUT, SHAME. (Alternative: Could BAD replace one of these? "Bad dog!" often goes with "Shame!") 2. **Words that follow "Kountry/King/??":** Actually, let's look at BARREL, CAKE, COBRA, KONG, FLY, RACE, ZIP, BAD. 3. **"Donkey" associations (even though Donkey was used, its synonyms might apply):** BARREL, KONG, RACE, FLY. (Wait, DONKEY KONG, DONKEY BARREL, DONKEY RACE? No). 4. **"____ fly" / "____ kong" / "____ race":** Wait! **Words that follow "KING":** - KING COBRA - KING KONG - KING CAKE - KING TUTS (No, King Tut) - KING BOLT? No. 5. **Let's try "Words that follow 'KING'":** - KING COBRA - KING KONG - KING CAKE - KING TUT This leaves: TSK, TUT TUT, SHAME, BAD, FLY, BARREL, RACE, ZIP. 6. **Looking at the remaining 8:** - Words for "Moving Fast": FLY, BARREL, RACE, ZIP. - Words for "Disapproval": TSK, TUT TUT, SHAME, BAD. Wait, "BARREL" means to move fast? "Barreling down the highway." Yes. FLY (He's flying!), RACE (He's racing!), ZIP (He's zipping along!). 7. **Checking the categories again:** Category A: TUT, COBRA, KONG, CAKE (Follow "KING") Category B: TSK, TUT TUT, SHAME, BAD (Expressions of disapproval) Category C: FLY, BARREL, RACE, ZIP (To move quickly) Wait, "TUT" is in Category A and "TUT TUT" is in Category B. This is a common NYT trick. "TUT" (the Pharaoh) vs "TUT TUT" (the sound). Let's test Category C first because it seems very distinct.

We have 8 words remaining: COBRA, BAD, KONG, TSK, TUT TUT, SHAME, TUT, CAKE. As analyzed in the previous step, I have identified two clear groups: 1. Words that follow "KING": - KING COBRA (a snake) - KING KONG (the giant ape) - KING TUT (the Egyptian pharaoh) - KING CAKE (a traditional cake for Epiphany/Mardi Gras) 2. Words/phrases used to scold or express disapproval: - BAD (as in "Bad dog!" or "Bad boy!") - SHAME (as in "Shame on you!") - TSK (a clicking sound of disapproval) - TUT TUT (an exclamation of disapproval) The separation of "TUT" and "TUT TUT" is a classic NYT Connections maneuver. "TUT" fits perfectly with "KING", while "TUT TUT" fits perfectly with the sounds of disapproval. Let's proceed with the "KING" category first.

The remaining words are: BAD, SHAME, TSK, and TUT TUT. These words all function as expressions of disapproval or reprimands: - BAD: Often used to scold ("Bad dog!", "Bad!"). - SHAME: Used to induce guilt ("Shame on you!", "For shame!"). - TSK: An onomatopoeic sound made to show disappointment or disapproval. - TUT TUT: Similar to tsk, used to express annoyance or rebuke. This completes the final category.

1. **Analyze the words**: SONG, SOLO, TANG, RAM, ZEST, MING, BILLY, BUCK, HAN, ZING, SINGLE, STAG, FREE, PUNCH, JACK, KICK. 2. **Identify Potential Categories**: * **Chinese Dynasties**: MING, HAN, TANG, SONG. (Strong connection) * **Male Animals**: BUCK (deer), RAM (sheep), STAG (deer), BILLY (goat). (Strong connection) * **Synonyms for "Zest/Energy"**: ZEST, ZING, TANG, PUNCH, KICK. (Overlap with dynasties) * **Solitary/Individual**: SOLO, SINGLE, FREE, STAG. (Overlap with male animals) * **Words followed by "JACK"**: BILLY, PUNCH (?), SINGLE (?), ... no, simpler connection needed. 3. **Evaluate Chinese Dynasties**: SONG, MING, HAN, TANG. These four fit perfectly together as major historical dynasties of China. 4. **Evaluate Male Animals**: BUCK, RAM, STAG, BILLY. These all refer to adult male versions of common animals (deer, sheep, deer, goat). 5. **Evaluate Remaining Words**: SOLO, ZEST, ZING, SINGLE, FREE, PUNCH, JACK, KICK. * **Synonyms for Energy/Flavor**: ZEST, ZING, PUNCH, KICK. (Strong connection) * **Synonyms for Single/One**: SOLO, SINGLE, FREE, JACK? No. * **Wait**: Let's re-examine **JACK, SINGLE, SOLO, FREE**. These could relate to music/records? Or "Words that mean 'One'". However, "FREE" doesn't fit the "One" category as well as "SINGLE" or "SOLO". * Wait, let's look at it again: * Dynasties: HAN, MING, SONG, TANG. * Male Animals: BILLY, BUCK, RAM, STAG. * Zest/Oomph: KICK, PUNCH, ZEST, ZING. * Ways to say "Individual/Unattached": FREE, SINGLE, SOLO, JACK (?). No. * Maybe: Words before "JACK"? BILLYjack, FLAPjack, HIjack... No. 6. **Refine the clusters**: - Cluster 1: HAN, MING, SONG, TANG (Chinese Dynasties) - Cluster 2: BILLY, BUCK, RAM, STAG (Male Animals) - Cluster 3: KICK, PUNCH, TANG (no, used already), ZEST, ZING. Let's use KICK, PUNCH, ZEST, ZING. - Cluster 4: FREE, SINGLE, SOLO... and JACK? No, wait. 7. **Check "JACK" again**: JACK, BILLY, BUCK are all versions of names that are also male animals. Let's look for words related to "Money": BUCK, BILLY (?), SINGLE... no. 8. **Wait, look at "JACK" more closely**: JACK, SINGLE, SOLO, FREE. These relate to "Base hits in baseball"? No. 9. **Actually...**: - HAN, MING, SONG, TANG (Dynasties) - BILLY, BUCK, RAM, STAG (Male Animals) - KICK, PUNCH, ZEST, ZING (Flavor/Energy) - FREE, JACK, SINGLE, SOLO (All mean 'One' or relate to being alone? A "Jack" is a single card. "Single", "Solo", and "Free" mean alone.) Let's start with the most certain one: The Dynasties.

1. **Analyze remaining words**: SOLO, RAM, ZEST, BILLY, BUCK, ZING, SINGLE, STAG, FREE, PUNCH, JACK, KICK. 2. **Cluster 1 (Male Animals)**: BUCK (deer), RAM (sheep), STAG (deer), BILLY (goat). These four are very strong as a group representing adult male animals. 3. **Cluster 2 (Flavor/Piquancy)**: ZEST, ZING, PUNCH, KICK. These all describe a sharp, exciting quality or flavor. 4. **Cluster 3 (Unattached/Individual)**: SOLO, SINGLE, FREE, JACK. Wait, let me re-evaluate "JACK". Looking at the remaining words: * Category A: BUCK, RAM, STAG, BILLY. * Category B: ZEST, ZING, KICK, PUNCH. * Category C: SOLO, SINGLE, FREE, JACK. * Wait, JACK could be a male animal (Jackrabbit, Jackass). If JACK is a male animal, does it replace one in Cluster A? BUCK, RAM, STAG, and BILLY are specifically nouns for the males of those species. JACK is also a male donkey or mule. * Let's look at Cluster C again: SOLO, SINGLE, FREE, JACK. This doesn't seem right. Is there a "___-FLY" or "___-MAN"? * Wait! **JACK, SINGLE, SOLO, BUCK**. Are these related to the number one or a one-dollar bill? A SINGLE is a dollar. A BUCK is a dollar. A SOLO is one. But JACK and FREE? No. 5. **Re-evaluating Male Animals**: BILLY, BUCK, JACK, RAM, STAG. That's 5 words. One must belong elsewhere. 6. **Re-evaluating "One" Category**: SINGLE, SOLO, ...? 7. **New connection**: **JACK, KICK, PUNCH, ...?** No. 8. **Wait! Types of "Single" things**: * SINGLE (1) * SOLO (1) * STAG (Going solo to a party) * FREE (Wait... no). 9. **Let's try the Male Animals first, but which four?**: BUCK, RAM, STAG, and BILLY are the most commonly grouped male species names. JACK is often used mid-word or as a prefix (Jackass). I'll bet on BILLY, BUCK, RAM, STAG.

1. **Analyze the previous failure**: The category "male animals" included BUCK, RAM, STAG, and BILLY. Since it was INCORRECT, one of those belongs elsewhere, or a word I left out belongs in that group. 2. **Identify the five male animal words**: BILLY (goat), BUCK (deer/rabbit), RAM (sheep), STAG (deer), JACK (donkey). 3. **Identify the other words**: SOLO, ZEST, ZING, SINGLE, FREE, PUNCH, KICK. 4. **Look for a different category**: - **Single/Alone**: SOLO, SINGLE, STAG (going stag), and maybe... FREE? Or JACK (no). - **Vigor/Flavor**: ZEST, ZING, PUNCH, KICK. (This looks very strong). 5. **Re-examine "Vigor/Flavor"**: KICK, PUNCH, ZEST, ZING. These are all synonyms for "oomph" or "pizzazz". 6. **Re-examine "Alone/Individual"**: If KICK, PUNCH, ZEST, ZING is a category, the remaining words are: SOLO, SINGLE, FREE, JACK, BILLY, BUCK, RAM, STAG. 7. **Wait, let's look for words that go with "JACK"**: - There is Hi-JACK, Crack-JACK (no), Flap-JACK... - There is also prefixes for "JACK": BILLY-jack (no), Lamber-jack (no). 8. **Look for categories involving the remaining words**: - **Words that mean "One/Single"**: SOLO, SINGLE, BUCK (a one dollar bill), and... ? - **Types of "___-ball"**? No. - **Male animals again**: If I swap one from my previous guess (BILLY, BUCK, RAM, STAG), which one? Maybe STAG belongs in the "Alone" category (SOLO, SINGLE, STAG, FREE). - If STAG moves to "Alone", what fills the male animal spot? JACK (male donkey). - Male animals: BILLY, BUCK, JACK, RAM. 9. **Let's test these groups**: - Group A: KICK, PUNCH, ZEST, ZING (Flavor/Vigor) - Group B: FREE, SINGLE, SOLO, STAG (Alone/Unattached) - Group C: BILLY, BUCK, JACK, RAM (Male animals: Goat, Deer, Donkey, Sheep) 10. This seems much more cohesive. STAG fits perfectly with SOLO/SINGLE for social events, and JACK fits the animal list. Let's try "Flavor/Vigor" first as it feels the most certain.

1. **Remaining words**: SOLO, RAM, BILLY, BUCK, SINGLE, STAG, FREE, JACK. 2. **Evaluating the groups identified in the previous step**: - Group 1: SOLO, SINGLE, STAG, FREE (Refers to someone who is unattached or alone). - Group 2: RAM, BILLY, BUCK, JACK (Refers to male animals). 3. **Cross-checking**: - RAM: Male sheep. - BILLY: Male goat. - BUCK: Male deer/rabbit. - JACK: Male donkey/mule/hare. - STAG: Male deer (Wait, BUCK and STAG both mean male deer). 4. **Wait, let's re-examine**: If STAG, BUCK, RAM, BILLY, JACK are all male animals (5 words). And SOLO, SINGLE, FREE are 3 words about being unattached. 5. **Which of the male animals fits better with SOLO, SINGLE, FREE?** - "STAG": Specifically means going to an event alone. "Going stag" means without a date. - "BUCK": Means a dollar, but doesn't mean "alone". - "JACK": No. - "BILLY": No. 6. **Conclusion**: SOLO, SINGLE, FREE, and STAG are the "Unattached/Alone" category. 7. **Conclusion**: BILLY, BUCK, JACK, and RAM are the "Male Animals" category. Let's verify BILLY, BUCK, JACK, RAM. - Billy (goat) - Buck (deer/rabbit/antelope) - Jack (donkey/rabbit) - Ram (sheep) Yes, they are all commonly used to denote the male of various species. Let's verify SOLO, SINGLE, FREE, STAG. - Solo: Alone - Single: Unmarried/Alone - Free: Available/Unattached - Stag: Without a partner Yes, these all describe someone's relationship status or social status at an event.

1. **Remaining words**: BILLY, BUCK, JACK, RAM. 2. **Analyze the words**: All four words refer to the male versions of various animals: - BILLY (Goat) - BUCK (Deer, Rabbit) - JACK (Donkey, Rabbit) - RAM (Sheep) 3. **Confirm**: My previous logic identified these as a cohesive set. The structure is simple and consistent with NYT Connections categories.

I am looking for groups of four related words among the 16 provided. First, I notice several words related to luggage: DUFFEL, CARRY-ON, ROLLER, HARD-SHELL. These all describe types of suitcases or bags. Second, I see words related to amusement park rides or fairs: FERRIS (Wheel), BUMPER (Cars), MERRY (-go-round), ROLLER (Coaster). However, ROLLER was used in the luggage category. Let's look for alternatives. Third, I see words related to babies or small things: BABY, BUGGY, BOUNCY, PEE-WEE. A BUGGY and a BABY go together, and BOUNCY (seat) or PEE-WEE are small-scale. Wait, looking at the words again: HEATHER, SUNNY, INDIANA, MERRY. These look like names of characters or famous entities, but let's look closer. SUNNY, BRIGHT, MERRY, BOUNCY? (Cheerful dispositions). Let's look at words starting with names or being names: INDIANA (Jones), FERRIS (Bueller), BABY (Driver? Houseman?), RUBBER (Soul?). Not quite. Let's re-examine: Words followed by "Ducky": RUBBER. Words followed by "Wheel": FERRIS. Words followed by "Go-Round": MERRY. Words followed by "Car": BUMPER. Wait, those don't form a set of 4. Let's look at "Types of Bags/Suitcases": DUFFEL, CARRY-ON, ROLLER, HARD-SHELL. (Strong possibility). Let's look at the remaining words: FERRIS, BUMPER, BUGGY, SUNNY, BRIGHT, HEATHER, MERRY, BABY, RUBBER, PEE-WEE, BOUNCY, INDIANA. Wait: FERRIS, HEATHER, INDIANA, PEE-WEE. These are all names of famous protagonists/characters from 80s/90s movies: Ferris Bueller, Heathers, Indiana Jones, Pee-wee Herman. Remaining: BUMPER, BUGGY, SUNNY, BRIGHT, MERRY, BABY, RUBBER, BOUNCY. Looking at these: "____ side up": SUNNY. "____ side": BRIGHT. "____ side"? No. Let's group: BUMPER, BABY, BUGGY, BOUNCY. These are all items associated with infants/toddlers (often prefixes to "seat" or "car"): Bumper seat (usually car seat), Baby carriage, Buggy, Bouncy chair. Remaining: SUNNY, BRIGHT, MERRY, RUBBER. This doesn't seem right. Let's look at "____ Duck": RUBBER, BABY, ... no. Let's try the luggage category first as it feels the most cohesive.

Now that CARRY-ON, DUFFEL, HARD-SHELL, and ROLLER are removed, the remaining words are: FERRIS, BUMPER, BUGGY, SUNNY, BRIGHT, HEATHER, MERRY, BABY, RUBBER, PEE-WEE, BOUNCY, INDIANA. I previously identified a potential category: Famous fictional characters' first names: FERRIS (Bueller), HEATHER (Duke/Chandler/McNamara), INDIANA (Jones), PEE-WEE (Herman). These are all iconic characters where the first name is the primary identifier. Let's look at the remaining 8: BUMPER, BUGGY, SUNNY, BRIGHT, MERRY, BABY, RUBBER, BOUNCY. Looking at these: SUNNY, BRIGHT, MERRY, BOUNCY are synonyms for "cheerful" or "happy." Looking at the remaining 4: BUMPER, BUGGY, BABY, RUBBER. Wait, "____ band": RUBBER band, BUMPER band (no), BABY band (no). "____ stamp": RUBBER stamp. "____ duck": RUBBER duck, BABY duck (no). Let's rethink: BABY, BUGGY, BUMPER, RUBBER. These are all components or terms associated with cars/carriages/vehicles: Bumper, Buggy (a type of car/carriage), Baby (a nickname for a car?), Rubber (tires). No, that's weak. Wait, "____ soul": RUBBER Soul (Beatles). "____ boy": SUNNY boy? Let's look at the synonyms again: SUNNY, BRIGHT, MERRY, BOUNCY. This is a very strong set of synonyms for a "cheerful disposition." Let's re-verify the names: FERRIS, HEATHER, INDIANA, PEE-WEE. These are all 1980s movie titles/leads (Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Heathers, Raiders of the Lost Ark/Indiana Jones, Pee-wee's Big Adventure). The remaining four are: BUMPER, BUGGY, BABY, RUBBER. These are the first words in the tongue twister "Rubber baby buggy bumpers." This feels very solid.

The remaining words are: FERRIS, BUMPER, BUGGY, HEATHER, BABY, RUBBER, PEE-WEE, INDIANA. I have identified two potential categories: Category 1: Tongue Twister words RUBBER, BABY, BUGGY, BUMPER These are the four words that make up the famous tongue twister "Rubber baby buggy bumpers." Category 2: 80s movie protagonists/titles FERRIS (Ferris Bueller), HEATHER (Heathers), INDIANA (Indiana Jones), PEE-WEE (Pee-wee Herman). Both sets are distinct and use all remaining words perfectly.

The remaining words are FERRIS, HEATHER, INDIANA, and PEE-WEE. These words share a connection as the first names of famous 1980s movie protagonists: 1. Ferris (Ferris Bueller from Ferris Bueller's Day Off, 1986) 2. Heather (The various Heathers from Heathers, 1988) 3. Indiana (Indiana Jones from the Raiders of the Lost Ark franchise, start of 80s) 4. Pee-wee (Pee-wee Herman from Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, 1985) Alternatively, they are the eponymous or lead names in famous 80s movie titles.

I am looking for groups of four related words from the available list. 1. **Group 1: Reversing a decision/opinion** Words: BACKPEDAL, ABOUT-FACE, RENEGE, FLIP-FLOP. All these words mean to change one's mind or go back on a commitment. 2. **Group 2: Things that move in the wind** Words: VANE, WIND CHIME, PINWHEEL, FLAG. These are all objects designed to catch or react to the wind. 3. **Group 3: Types of shoes or shoe parts** Words: WEDGE, KANGAROO (leather), SHOEHORN (tool), STUFF? No. Let's look at "STREET", "NEIGHBORHOOD", "RAINBOW", "JAM". Wait, let's look at "KANGAROO", "STREET", "RAINBOW", "JAM". These can be preceded by "SESAME" (Sesame Street) but that doesn't fit the others. Actually, let's look at "JAM", "STUFF", "WEDGE", "SHOEHORN". These are all verbs meaning to force something into a tight space. 4. **Group 4: Remaining words** Words: NEIGHBORHOOD, RAINBOW, KANGAROO, ? This group is tricky. Let's re-evaluate "Types of X". KANGAROO, RAINBOW, NEIGHBORHOOD... "COURT" (Kangaroo court, Neighborhood court? No). Wait: KANGAROO, RAINBOW, and ? Maybe the verbs for forcing things are: JAM, SHOEHORN, STUFF, WEDGE. Let's try the "Reversing a decision" group first as it seems very strong. Words: BACKPEDAL, ABOUT-FACE, RENEGE, FLIP-FLOP.

The previous guess was correct. Remaining words: NEIGHBORHOOD, FLAG, VANE, STUFF, RAINBOW, SHOEHORN, WEDGE, WIND CHIME, PINWHEEL, JAM, STREET, KANGAROO. 1. **Group: Force into a tight space** Words: JAM, SHOEHORN, STUFF, WEDGE. These are all verbs that mean to push or cram something into a space. 2. **Group: Things moved by wind** Words: FLAG, PINWHEEL, VANE, WIND CHIME. These are objects typically placed outside to move or make sound when caught by the wind. 3. **Group: Words following "WON'T YOU BE MY..." or "___ COURT" or "___ TROUT"?** Words: RAINBOW, NEIGHBORHOOD, KANGAROO, STREET. Wait, let's look at those: RAINBOW TROUT, KANGAROO ____? No. KANGAROO COURT, NEIGHBORHOOD ____? Actually, RAINBOW, KANGAROO, and STREET describe types of something? Wait: KANGAROO, RAINBOW, NEIGHBORHOOD... Let's look at "JAM, SHOEHORN, STUFF, WEDGE" again. This is a very strong category for "press/squeeze". Let's test the "squeeze" category.

I have 8 words remaining: FLAG, VANE, WIND CHIME, PINWHEEL, NEIGHBORHOOD, RAINBOW, STREET, KANGAROO. 1. **Group: Things that react to wind** Words: FLAG, VANE, WIND CHIME, PINWHEEL. A weather vane, a flag, a wind chime, and a pinwheel are all items designed to move, spin, or make noise when the wind blows. 2. **Group: Remaining words** Words: NEIGHBORHOOD, RAINBOW, STREET, KANGAROO. These are types of "Courts": - Neighborhood Court (less common, but exists) - Rainbow Court (not common) - Street Court? No. Wait, let's look at "Kangaroo Court", "Street Court", "Food Court"? No. Let's look at things that come after "Mister" or "Mr.": - Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood - Mr. Rainbow? No. Wait: "WON'T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?" Let's look at "Kangaroo", "Rainbow", and "Street" more closely. - Sesame Street - Reading Rainbow - Captain Kangaroo - Mister Rogers' Neighborhood These are all titles/settings of iconic children's television shows. The "wind" group seems very solid.

The four remaining words are NEIGHBORHOOD, RAINBOW, STREET, and KANGAROO. As identified in the previous step, these words are key components of the titles of famous children's television programs: 1. Mister Rogers' NEIGHBORHOOD 2. Reading RAINBOW 3. Sesame STREET 4. Captain KANGAROO This category is very cohesive and fits the pattern of NYT Connections groups (specifically the "Purple" or most difficult category).

I am looking for connections among the 16 words. 1. **Space/Government/Organizations:** NASA (Space), NOAA (Ocean/Atmosphere), N.F.L. (Football), PARAMOUNT (Studio, though it also means supreme). 2. **Readiness/Willingness:** READY, WILLING, ABLE, EAGER. These four words are a very common set used to describe someone prepared and enthusiastic to do something. 3. **To Provide Gear/Clothes:** EQUIP, OUTFIT, PREPARE, GEAR (not here), maybe GAME (as in "game for anything") or READY. Wait, EQUIP and OUTFIT are synonyms. Let's look for others: PREPARE, READY. But READY is in the "Ready, Willing, and Able" set. 4. **Logos with Stars:** NASA (stars in logo), PARAMOUNT (arch of stars), SUBARU (Pleiades star cluster), N.F.L. (stars in the shield logo). This looks like a strong "Companies/Organizations with stars in their logos" category. 5. **Homophones/Words ending in "E":** CANE, EAVE, GAME... no obvious pattern. 6. **Words that follow "Sugar":** SUGAR CANE, SUGAR... no. 7. **Types of "___":** - Weather/Atmosphere: NOAA. - Feather/Softness: DOWN. Let's re-evaluate: - Set A: READY, WILLING, ABLE, EAGER (Synonyms for prepared/enthusiastic). - Set B: NASA, N.F.L., PARAMOUNT, SUBARU (Logos featuring stars). - Set C: EQUIP, OUTFIT, PREPARE, ... (Need a fourth). Looking at the remaining words: GAME, NOAA, CANE, EAVE, DOWN. - Wait, EQUIP, OUTFIT, GEAR (not here), ... maybe DOWN (to dress)? No. - Let's look at the remaining words: GAME, NOAA, CANE, EAVE, DOWN. - "Words with an added letter": CANE (Can), EAVE (Eav?), DOWN (Don?). No. - "Homophones of birds": EAVE (??), CANE (??). No. - "Words starting with a bird": CANE (Canary - no), SUBARU (??). - Let's look at "___ words": - HURRICANE, HURRIDOWN (No). - "Words hidden in other words": - Let's look at the "E" words: CANE, EAVE, GAME. - Let's try: EQUIP, OUTFIT, PREPARE, READY. (To get ready). But then SET A (Ready, Willing, Able, Eager) is broken. - Let's try: READY, WILLING, ABLE, GAME. (Common phrase: "Ready, willing, and able" + "I'm game"). - Let's look at the remaining words again: EQUIP, OUTFIT, PREPARE. A synonym for these is "FIT". - Remaining: NOAA, CANE, EAVE, DOWN, N.F.L., PARAMOUNT, SUBARU, NASA. - Stars in Logo: NASA, N.F.L., PARAMOUNT, SUBARU. - Remaining: EQUIP, OUTFIT, PREPARE, ... wait. - Let's check "Words ending in a bird": CANE (??), EAVE (??), DOWN (??). - Let's check "HURRI-": CANE, ... no. - Wait: CANE, EAVE, DOWN, EQUIP? No. - Let's look at the "N" words: NASA, NOAA, N.F.L. Is there a fourth 4-letter acronym starting with N? No. Let's try the most certain one first: READY, WILLING, ABLE, EAGER have very similar meanings. Wait, check: CANE, EAVE, DOWN, NOAA. All of these are related to Hurricanes? Hurricane CANE (No), Hurricane EAVE (No). Wait! HURRICANE, HURRI- (No). EYE of a Hurricane? CANE has an eye? No. But "CANE" is the end of "HURRICANE". "DOWN" (Feather). "EAVE" (Part of roof). Wait: WEATHER words? NOAA, CANE (Hurricane), DOWN (Downpour?), EAVE (??). Let's look at EQUIP, OUTFIT, PREPARE, READY. These mean "to provide with what is needed". Then: WILLING, ABLE, EAGER, GAME (meaning "prepared/ready to do something"). Then: NASA, N.F.L., PARAMOUNT, SUBARU (Stars in logo). Then: CANE, EAVE, DOWN, NOAA. (Wait...) Let's look for "Words that start with weather": CANE (??), EAVE (??), DOWN (??). NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). What about: Words that sound like other words? CANE (Cain), EAVE (Eve), ABLE (Abel). These are biblical brothers (Cain and Abel) and Eve! What about DOWN? No. Is there another? CANE (Cain), ABLE (Abel), EAVE (Eve), SET (not here). Wait: NASA, NOAA, NFL (Acronyms). Wait: CANE, EAVE, DOWN are all types of... something? Cane, Eave, Down... Let's look at the "Star" category again. NASA, NFL, PARAMOUNT, SUBARU. That feels very strong for NYT. Let's try "Synonyms for Ready": WILLING, EAGER, GAME, READY. That leaves: ABLE, CANE, EAVE, DOWN, EQUIP, OUTFIT, PREPARE, NOAA. "Biblical": CANE (Cain), ABLE (Abel), EAVE (Eve), ... NO? Wait, "Words that sound like names": CANE (Cain), ABLE (Abel), EAVE (Eve), ... NOAA (Noah)? YES! Remaining: EQUIP, OUTFIT, PREPARE, ... and DOWN? No. Remaining: EQUIP, OUTFIT, PREPARE, ... and DOWN (as in "I'm down for that")? Wait, if GAME, READY, WILLING, and DOWN are synonyms... Then ABLE, CANE, EAVE, NOAA are biblical sound-alikes. Then EQUIP, OUTFIT, PREPARE, ... EAGER? No. Let's try this: 1. Names that sound like Biblical figures: ABLE (Abel), CANE (Cain), EAVE (Eve), NOAA (Noah). 2. Logos with stars: NASA, N.F.L., PARAMOUNT, SUBARU. 3. Prepared and Enthusiastic: EAGER, GAME, READY, WILLING. 4. To supply gear: EQUIP, OUTFIT, PREPARE, ... DOWN? No. Is there a word for the fourth one in the supply gear group? Wait, if I have ABLE, CANE, EAVE, NOAA and NASA, N.F.L., PARAMOUNT, SUBARU... The remaining are: EQUIP, OUTFIT, PREPARE, EAGER, GAME, READY, WILLING, DOWN. "Ready to go": EAGER, GAME, READY, WILLING. "To supply": EQUIP, OUTFIT, PREPARE... and maybe "Ready" or "Game" or "Down"? "I'm DOWN for that", "I'm GAME for that", "I'm READY for that", "I'm WILLING". That leaves EQUIP, OUTFIT, PREPARE, and... EAGER? No. What about DOWN, EQUIP, OUTFIT, PREPARE? No. WAIT: Feather DOWN, Sugar CANE, EQUIP (??). Let's look at the acronyms: NASA, NOAA, NFL. Are there others? Let's try the Biblical one first, it's very "NYT".

The previous guess was correct (Names that sound like Biblical figures: Abel, Cain, Eve, Noah). Remaining words: GAME, EQUIP, NASA, OUTFIT, READY, WILLING, DOWN, PREPARE, PARAMOUNT, EAGER, N.F.L., SUBARU. 1. **Logos with Stars:** NASA (Stars in the meatball logo), N.F.L. (Stars in the shield logo), PARAMOUNT (The mountain with a circle of stars), SUBARU (The Pleiades star cluster is the logo). This is a classic NYT Connections category. 2. **Synonyms for "Ready/Enthusiastic":** GAME, READY, WILLING, DOWN, EAGER. (Wait, that's five words). "I'm game", "I'm ready", "I'm willing", "I'm down", "I'm eager". 3. **To Supply/Prepare:** EQUIP, OUTFIT, PREPARE. If I use READY in Category 2, I need a fourth for Category 3. Wait, "READY" can also mean "to prepare" (e.g., "ready the troops"). So: EQUIP, OUTFIT, PREPARE, READY. If I do that, Category 2 (Enthusiastic) becomes: GAME, WILLING, DOWN, EAGER. Let's re-examine Category 2 & 3: Category A: NASA, N.F.L., PARAMOUNT, SUBARU (Stars in logo). Category B: EQUIP, OUTFIT, PREPARE, READY (To provide with gear/set up). Category C: DOWN, EAGER, GAME, WILLING (Synonyms for "up for it"). This covers all 12 remaining words perfectly.

Remaining words: GAME, EQUIP, OUTFIT, READY, WILLING, DOWN, PREPARE, EAGER. I have two potential categories left: 1. To provide with gear/Set up: EQUIP, OUTFIT, PREPARE, READY. (Verbs) 2. Prepared/Enthusiastic to participate: DOWN, EAGER, GAME, WILLING. (Adjectives) Let's double-check: "She READIED the gear" / "She EQUIPPED the gear" / "She OUTFITTED the gear" / "She PREPARED the gear". "I am DOWN for that" / "I am EAGER for that" / "I am GAME for that" / "I am WILLING for that". Wait, "READY" could also belong in the second group ("I am READY for that"). If "READY" moves to the second group, which word from the second group would move to the first? "EQUIP, OUTFIT, PREPARE, ____" "DOWN, EAGER, GAME, WILLING, READY" (5 words). Actually, "READY" acts as a verb (to ready) and an adjective (I am ready). "PREPARE" is primarily a verb. "EQUIP" and "OUTFIT" are primarily verbs. This suggests Category 1 is the Verb group: EQUIP, OUTFIT, PREPARE, READY. Category 2 is the Adjective group: DOWN, EAGER, GAME, WILLING.

The remaining words are DOWN, EAGER, GAME, and WILLING. In the previous steps, I identified these four as synonyms for being "prepared and enthusiastic" or "up for a task." - "I'm DOWN for that." - "I'm EAGER to start." - "I'm GAME if you are." - "I'm WILLING to try." All these words fit the category of being inclined or ready to participate.

I am analyzing the available words: PEN, PRINTER, VELVETEEN, WATCH, ROSE, ROGER, SQUID, MONITOR, WHITE, TRACK, DONUT, TATTOO MACHINE, TRIX, FOLLOW, JUROR, MONTH. I see a group of words related to devices that use ink: - PEN - PRINTER - TATTOO MACHINE - SQUID (known for releasing ink) I also see potential indicators of observation or trailing: - WATCH - MONITOR - FOLLOW - TRACK Another potential group involves "Rabbit" associations: - VELVETEEN (Rabbit) - ROGER (Rabbit) - TRIX (Rabbit) - WHITE (Rabbit) Let's test the "Ink" connection first, as those four words seem very distinct.

The previous guess (PEN, PRINTER, SQUID, TATTOO MACHINE) was correct. Remaining words: VELVETEEN, WATCH, ROSE, ROGER, MONITOR, WHITE, TRACK, DONUT, TRIX, FOLLOW, JUROR, MONTH. Let's evaluate the "Observe/Trail" group: - WATCH - MONITOR - FOLLOW - TRACK These four synonyms for "keep an eye on" or "pursue" seem very strong. Let's also look for other connections just in case: "Rabbit" group: - VELVETEEN (Velveteen Rabbit) - ROGER (Who Framed Roger Rabbit) - TRIX (Trix Rabbit) - WHITE (White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland) Wait, there's also "THINGS WITH A HOLE": - DONUT - JUROR (Wait, no) - ROSE (No) Let's check the words remaining after the "Observe" and "Rabbit" groups: Remaining: ROSE, DONUT, JUROR, MONTH. What connects these? - JUROR (12) - MONTH (12) - ROSE (A dozen/12) - DONUT (A dozen/12) This is a very strong "THINGS IN A DOZEN" category. Since both "Observe" and "Rabbit" groups are strong, I will proceed with the "Observe" group first.

The previous guess (FOLLOW, MONITOR, TRACK, WATCH) was correct. Remaining words: VELVETEEN, ROSE, ROGER, WHITE, DONUT, TRIX, JUROR, MONTH. As analyzed in the previous step, I have two clear groups remaining: Group 1: Famous Rabbits - VELVETEEN (The Velveteen Rabbit) - ROGER (Roger Rabbit) - TRIX (The Trix Rabbit) - WHITE (The White Rabbit) Group 2: Things associated with a dozen (12) - ROSE (A dozen roses) - DONUT (A dozen donuts) - JUROR (12 jurors in a trial) - MONTH (12 months in a year) I will proceed with the "Famous Rabbits" category.

With the previous three categories successfully identified, there are only four words remaining: - DONUT - JUROR - MONTH - ROSE As identified earlier, these words all share a connection to the number 12 (a dozen): - DONUT (sold by the dozen) - JUROR (12 in a standard jury) - MONTH (12 in a year) - ROSE (sold by the dozen) This completes the final set.

I am looking for connections among the 16 words. 1. **WAX related**: CANDLE, CRAYON, HONEYCOMB, SEAL (or EAR). Let's look at things that have wax or are made of wax. CANDLE, CRAYON, HONEYCOMB, EAR (earwax). 2. **Parts of an Airplane**: WING, ENGINE, CABIN, NOSE. 3. **To "Cheat" or "Steal"**: ROB, FLEECE, STIFF, HOSE (slang for overcharging/cheating). 4. **Parts of a plant/Vegetables**: STALK (celery), BULB (onion), HEAD (lettuce), EAR (corn). Wait, EAR appeared in two groups. Let's re-evaluate. If EAR is "Ear of corn", then: Plant parts: STALK, BULB, HEAD, EAR. If WAX things are: CANDLE, CRAYON, HONEYCOMB, SEAL (wax seal). Let's check the leftover words: ROB, FLEECE, STIFF, HOSE. These all mean to swindle or overcharge. Remaining: CABIN, ENGINE, WING, NOSE. These are all parts of an airplane. Let's test the "Swindle" group first as it seems cohesive. Words: FLEECE, HOSE, ROB, STIFF.

The previous guess was correct. Remaining words: CABIN, CRAYON, CANDLE, WING, EAR, ENGINE, HONEYCOMB, NOSE, SEAL, HEAD, BULB, STALK. Potential categories: 1. **Parts of a Plane**: CABIN, ENGINE, WING, NOSE. 2. **Things associated with Wax**: CRAYON, CANDLE, HONEYCOMB, SEAL (as in a wax seal) or EAR (earwax). 3. **Vegetable units**: EAR (corn), HEAD (lettuce), STALK (celery), BULB (garlic/onion). If I use EAR in the vegetable group, then the wax group must be CRAYON, CANDLE, HONEYCOMB, SEAL. This leaves CABIN, ENGINE, WING, NOSE for the plane group. All three categories are now distinct and complete. Let's try the Vegetable units first.

The previous guess was correct. Remaining words: CABIN, CRAYON, CANDLE, WING, ENGINE, HONEYCOMB, NOSE, SEAL. Based on my previous analysis: 1. **Parts of an Airplane**: CABIN, ENGINE, NOSE, WING. 2. **Associated with Wax**: CANDLE, CRAYON, HONEYCOMB, SEAL (wax seal). Both groups look very solid. I will submit the airplane parts first.

The previous guesses have successfully identified three categories. The remaining words are: CANDLE, CRAYON, HONEYCOMB, SEAL. These words are all associated with the word "WAX": - CANDLE (made of wax) - CRAYON (made of wax) - HONEYCOMB (made of beeswax) - SEAL (a wax seal for letters or documents) All other words from the original list have been used: - FLEECE, HOSE, ROB, STIFF (Swindle) - BULB, EAR, HEAD, STALK (Vegetable units) - CABIN, ENGINE, NOSE, WING (Airplane parts) This final group is consistent.

1. **Analyze the words**: INFORMATION, DIRT, PILLAR, REGARD, FOLLOW, PERCENTAGE, MIND, COLUMN, INTELLIGENCE, SHARE, OBSERVE, STAKE, POLE, INTEREST, SECRETS, POST. 2. **Category Hunt**: * **Architecture/Vertical Supports**: PILLAR, COLUMN, POLE, POST. This looks like a very strong set. * **Information/Secrets**: INFORMATION, DIRT, INTELLIGENCE, SECRETS. (Informal terms for "the scoop"). * **Ownership/Involvement**: PERCENTAGE, SHARE, STAKE, INTEREST. (Financial or personal involvement). * **To Watch/Pay Attention to**: OBSERVE, MIND, FOLLOW, REGARD. (Synonyms for watching or noticing). 3. **Evaluate Group 1 (Vertical Supports)**: PILLAR, COLUMN, POLE, POST. All four are synonyms for vertical structural members. 4. **Evaluate Group 2 (The Scoop)**: DIRT, INFORMATION, INTELLIGENCE, SECRETS. (Often used as "the [word]"). 5. **Evaluate Group 3 (Investment)**: INTEREST, PERCENTAGE, SHARE, STAKE. (Parts of ownership). 6. **Evaluate Group 4 (Watch)**: FOLLOW, MIND, OBSERVE, REGARD. (Words meaning to pay attention to or comply with). The "Vertical Supports" group (PILLAR, COLUMN, POLE, POST) seems like a very standard NYT category.

1. **Analyze remaining words**: INFORMATION, DIRT, REGARD, FOLLOW, PERCENTAGE, MIND, INTELLIGENCE, SHARE, OBSERVE, STAKE, INTEREST, SECRETS. 2. **Potential Categories**: * **Financial/Ownership Stake**: PERCENTAGE, SHARE, STAKE, INTEREST. All these words refer to a portion or involvement in a venture. * **Information/Secrets**: INFORMATION, INTELLIGENCE, DIRT, SECRETS. These usually refer to gathered data or "the scoop." * **Pay Attention/Notice**: FOLLOW, MIND, OBSERVE, REGARD. 3. **Cross-checking Group "Ownership"**: PERCENTAGE, SHARE, STAKE, INTEREST. "Interest" fits perfectly here (e.g., "a vested interest"), and "Stake" and "Share" are synonymous in business/ownership contexts. "Percentage" also fits. 4. **Cross-checking Group "Gossip/Data"**: INFORMATION, INTELLIGENCE, DIRT, SECRETS. "Dirt" and "Intelligence" are common "Yellow" or "Green" category descriptors for confidential info. 5. **Cross-checking Group "Heed"**: FOLLOW, MIND, OBSERVE, REGARD. "Mind your manners," "Observe the rules," "Follow the law," "Regard the warnings." I'll proceed with the "Ownership" group.

1. **Analyze remaining words**: INFORMATION, DIRT, REGARD, FOLLOW, MIND, INTELLIGENCE, OBSERVE, SECRETS. 2. **Category 1: Synonyms for "Heed" or "Notice"**: FOLLOW, MIND, OBSERVE, REGARD. (e.g., "Mind the gap," "Follow the rules," "Observe the holiday," "Regard the advice"). 3. **Category 2: Synonyms for "The Scoop" or Insider Info**: DIRT, INFORMATION, INTELLIGENCE, SECRETS. 4. Both sets seem very strong. I will test the "Heed" category first.

1. **Analyze remaining words**: INFORMATION, DIRT, INTELLIGENCE, SECRETS. 2. **Determine category**: These words all refer to gathered data, particularly of a sensitive or confidential nature (often preceded by "the"). * DIRT: "What's the dirt on the new neighbor?" * INFORMATION: "The agency gathered information." * INTELLIGENCE: "Military intelligence." * SECRETS: "Spilling secrets." 3. These are the final four words remaining.

I see several potential categories among the available words: 1. **Makeup/Cosmetics**: MASCARA, BLUSH, and possibly DYE. I need a fourth. 2. **Things you do when nervous/anxious**: SWEAT, PACE, FIDGET. I need a fourth. 3. **Ranking/Evaluation**: GRADE, RATE, RANK, SCORE. This looks like a solid set of four. 4. **Things that "run"**: NOSE, STOCKINGS, TIGER (maybe?), MASCARA, TRAIL, DYE. 5. **Words following "Paper"**: CLIP, TIGER, TOWEL, GRADE (?). 6. **"Throw in the ____"**: TOWEL. Let's look closer at the "Ranking/Evaluation" group: GRADE, RATE, RANK, SCORE. These are all synonyms for evaluating or positioning something on a scale. Let's look at the "Things that run" group: NOSE (runs), STOCKINGS (run/have a run), MASCARA (runs), DYE (runs). This is a classic Connections-style category. Let's look at synonymous actions for nervousness: PACE, FIDGET, SWEAT... the fourth could be something like "Bite nails" but that's not here. Maybe "TRAIL"? No. Let's test the "Ranking/Evaluation" group first as it feels very cohesive.

Now that GRADE, RANK, RATE, and SCORE are removed, let's look at the remaining words: NOSE, FIDGET, DYE, STOCKINGS, MASCARA, TOWEL, CLIP, PACE, TRAIL, TIGER, SWEAT. 1. **Things that can "run"**: * NOSE (A runny nose) * STOCKINGS (A run in stockings) * MASCARA (Makeup runs when crying) * DYE (Color runs in the wash) * TRAIL (A trail runs through the woods) * PACE (To run at a pace - unlikely) Maybe: NOSE, STOCKINGS, MASCARA, DYE. (These are all things that "run" in a metaphorical or physical sense relative to their state/use). 2. **Things associated with "Paper" (Paper ____)**: * TIGER (Paper Tiger) * CLIP (Paper Clip) * TOWEL (Paper Towel) * TRAIL (Paper Trail) This looks like a very strong NYT category (Compound words/phrases starting with the same word). 3. **Physical manifestations of nervousness**: * SWEAT * PACE * FIDGET * (I need one more: maybe NOSE? No. Maybe ... there isn't a fourth one clearly here if TRAIL/TIGER/CLIP/TOWEL are a set). Wait, let's re-evaluate "Things that run": NOSE, MASCARA, DYE, STOCKINGS. Let's look at the remaining four: FIDGET, PACE, SWEAT... and what's left? If I take: Group A: TIGER, CLIP, TOWEL, TRAIL (Paper ____) Group B: NOSE, MASCARA, DYE, STOCKINGS (Things that run) Group C: FIDGET, PACE, SWEAT... Wait, I only have 11 words left. I listed 11. Words: NOSE, FIDGET, DYE, STOCKINGS, MASCARA, TOWEL, CLIP, PACE, TRAIL, TIGER, SWEAT. 1. NOSE 2. FIDGET 3. DYE 4. STOCKINGS 5. MASCARA 6. TOWEL 7. CLIP 8. PACE 9. TRAIL 10. TIGER 11. SWEAT Actually, there are 12 words left! I missed one in my count. Let me re-list: NOSE, FIDGET, DYE, STOCKINGS, MASCARA, TOWEL, CLIP, PACE, TRAIL, TIGER, SWEAT, BLUSH. (Ah, BLUSH). Re-evaluating with BLUSH: Group A: TIGER, CLIP, TOWEL, TRAIL (Paper ____) Group B: NOSE, MASCARA, DYE, STOCKINGS (Things that run) Group C: FIDGET, PACE, SWEAT, BLUSH (Physical signs of nervousness or embarrassment) This looks perfect. Let's try "Paper ____" first.

Now that the "Paper ____" words (CLIP, TIGER, TOWEL, TRAIL) and "Ranking" words are gone, I have 8 words left: NOSE, FIDGET, DYE, STOCKINGS, MASCARA, PACE, SWEAT, BLUSH. Based on my previous analysis: 1. **Things that can "run"**: * NOSE (a runny nose) * STOCKINGS (a run in leggings/stockings) * MASCARA (runs when wet) * DYE (color runs in the wash) 2. **Physical manifestations of nervousness or anxiety**: * FIDGET * PACE * SWEAT * BLUSH Checking for any overlap: "BLUSH" and "MASCARA" are both makeup, but there are no other makeup items left (like eyeliner or lipstick). "FIDGET" is definitely a nervous action. "PACE" and "SWEAT" are also classic nervous actions. "BLUSH" occurs when embarrassed or nervous. The "run" category (NOSE, STOCKINGS, MASCARA, DYE) is a common NYT theme. Let's try the "Physical manifestations of nervousness" group.

We are left with the final four words: NOSE, DYE, STOCKINGS, and MASCARA. Reviewing the connection: - A NOSE runs (when you have a cold). - DYE runs (when fabric is washed). - STOCKINGS run (when the knit unravels). - MASCARA runs (when you cry or it gets wet). All of these are things that "run."

I see several potential categories among the available words: 1. **Methods of making popcorn:** POPPER, MICROWAVE, KETTLE, STOVETOP. (Strong candidate) 2. **Parts of a bird or appendages/limbs:** WING, FIN, ARM, FLIPPER. (Strong candidate) 3. **Words meaning "small amount" or "waste time":** TRIFLE, FIDDLE, FRITTER, THROW (though THROW doesn't quite fit, and FIDDLE/FRITTER work better together). 4. **Words followed by "AWAY":** THROW (AWAY), FRITTER (AWAY), SWEET (AWAY - no), or KIND (no). 5. **Adjectives meaning "gentle/caring":** TENDER, KIND, WARM, SWEET. (Strong candidate) Let's test the "Methods of making popcorn" first. Words: KETTLE, MICROWAVE, POPPER, STOVETOP. Wait, "Kettle corn" is a type, but "Kettle" itself is a method. "Popper" is the device. "Microwave" is the method. "Stovetop" is the method. Let's look at the limbs/appendages: WING, FIN, ARM, FLIPPER. These are all anatomical parts used for movement/balance. Let's look at the adjectives: TENDER, KIND, WARM, SWEET. These all mean "affectionate" or "nice." Let's look at words meaning "to mess around with" or "waste": FRITTER, FIDDLE, TRIFLE, THROW (No, THROW doesn't fit). Maybe words that start with "F"? FIN, FLIPPER, FRITTER, FIDDLE. (No). Let's try the popcorn prep methods first as they seem very cohesive.

Now I have 12 words left: POPPER, WARM, FIN, TENDER, FLIPPER, KIND, TRIFLE, THROW, ARM, SWEET, FRITTER, WING, FIDDLE. (Wait, I used POPPER in the previous guess). Correction: The remaining words are: WARM, FIN, TENDER, FLIPPER, KIND, TRIFLE, THROW, ARM, SWEET, FRITTER, WING, FIDDLE. I identified two strong categories in the previous step: 1. **Appendages used for movement/balance:** WING, FIN, ARM, FLIPPER. 2. **Adjectives meaning "affectionate" or "nice":** TENDER, KIND, WARM, SWEET. Let's look at the remaining four words if I take those two groups: TRIFLE, THROW, FRITTER, FIDDLE. These words actually share a connection: "Words meaning to waste or dally (often followed by 'with' or 'away')". FRITTER away, THROW away, TRIFLE with, FIDDLE with. They all relate to squandering time or resources. Let's go with the appendages first as they are very distinct.

The remaining words are: WARM, TENDER, KIND, SWEET, TRIFLE, THROW, FRITTER, FIDDLE. I see two distinct groups: 1. Adjectives meaning "affectionate" or "nice": WARM, TENDER, KIND, SWEET. 2. Words meaning to squander or dally (often with "away"): FRITTER (away), THROW (away), and words meaning to play with or treat lightly: TRIFLE (with), FIDDLE (with). Wait, looking closer at the second set: FRITTER, THROW, TRIFLE, FIDDLE. Actually, FRITTER, THROW, TRIFLE, and FIDDLE all function as verbs meaning to waste or spend time/money idly. FRITTER away, THROW away. TRIFLE with, FIDDLE with. Or just generally to waste: Fiddle around, Trifle, Fritter. The set of adjectives (WARM, TENDER, KIND, SWEET) is very strong as synonyms for "Compassionate". Let's proceed with the adjectives.

The remaining words are: FIDDLE, FRITTER, THROW, and TRIFLE. As analyzed in the previous steps: 1. FRITTER (as in "fritter away") 2. THROW (as in "throw away") 3. FIDDLE (as in "fiddle away") 4. TRIFLE (as in "trifle away") These are all verbs that can be followed by "away" to mean squandering or wasting time or resources. They also generally mean to treat something insignificantly or to waste it.

1. **Analyze available words:** - PARMESAN, BOLOGNESE, NEAPOLITAN, VENETIAN (These are often associated with Italy/Italian regions/styles). - OLYMPUS, HASSELBLAD, FUJIFILM, POLAROID (These are all famous camera brands). - JUMBOTRON, SCOREBOARD, KISSCAM, SKYBOX (These are all found at stadiums/sports arenas). - ASTROTURF, CREAMSICLE, RUSHMORE, JOURNEYMAN (Residual words). 2. **Refining Categories:** - **Category 1 (Cameras):** OLYMPUS, HASSELBLAD, FUJIFILM, POLAROID. This seems very strong. - **Category 2 (Stadium features):** JUMBOTRON, SCOREBOARD, KISSCAM, SKYBOX. Also very strong. - **Category 3 (Styles/Types/Origins):** PARMESAN, BOLOGNESE, NEAPOLITAN, VENETIAN. These are all types of things named after Italian cities (Parma, Bologna, Naples, Venice). - **Category 4 (Remaining):** ASTROTURF, CREAMSICLE, RUSHMORE, JOURNEYMAN. Let's look for a connection: - Mount RUSHMORE. - JOURNEYMAN (Middleman?). - CREAMSICLE (Orange?). - ASTROTURF (Fake grass). *Wait*, let's re-examine: - CREAMSICLE (Orange color). - NEAPOLITAN (Ice cream). - Wait, BOLOGNESE, PARMESAN, NEAPOLITAN... - Let's look at the remaining words again: ASTROTURF, CREAMSICLE, RUSHMORE, JOURNEYMAN. - Actually, let's stick to the strongest group first. 3. **Starting with Camera Brands:** OLYMPUS, HASSELBLAD, FUJIFILM, POLAROID.

1. **Analyze remaining words:** PARMESAN, SKYBOX, VENETIAN, KISSCAM, BOLOGNESE, SCOREBOARD, ASTROTURF, JUMBOTRON, CREAMSICLE, RUSHMORE, NEAPOLITAN, JOURNEYMAN. 2. **Category: Stadium Features** Looking at the words, JUMBOTRON, SCOREBOARD, KISSCAM, and SKYBOX are all standard elements found in a sports stadium or arena. 3. **Check other possibilities for these words:** - Could ASTROTURF fit here? Yes, it's a field surface. - If ASTROTURF is in the stadium group, which of the others (JUMBOTRON, SCOREBOARD, KISSCAM, SKYBOX) would move? - Let's look at the remaining words: PARMESAN, BOLOGNESE, NEAPOLITAN, VENETIAN, CREAMSICLE, RUSHMORE, JOURNEYMAN, ASTROTURF. - NEAPOLITAN, PARMESAN, BOLOGNESE, and VENETIAN are all related to Italian cities/regions. This is a very tight group. 4. **Verify the "Stadium" group:** JUMBOTRON, SCOREBOARD, KISSCAM, SKYBOX. These are specifically electronics/amenities for spectators. 5. **Re-evaluate the leftover words:** ASTROTURF, CREAMSICLE, RUSHMORE, JOURNEYMAN. - ASTRO (Houston baseball team) - CREAM (maybe not) - Wait: - ASTRO, CREAM, JOURNEY, RUSH are all names of classic rock bands? - ASTRO (The Astro?), CREAM (Clapton), JOURNEY (Don't Stop Believin'), RUSH (Tom Sawyer). - Let's check "ASTRO": There's "The Astros" (team), but is there a band called "ASTRO"? There is a K-pop band, but that doesn't fit the others. - Let's try "Astro" (short for "Astronaut"?) No. - Wait: ASTROTURF, CREAMSICLE, RUSHMORE, JOURNEYMAN. - They contain band names: ASTRO (no), CREAM (yes), RUSH (yes), JOURNEY (yes). - Is there a band called TURF? No. Is there a band called SICLE? No. - Look closer: ASTRO(TURF), CREAM(SICLE), RUSH(MORE), JOURNEY(MAN). - Words that start with 70s/80s rock bands: ASTRO (Not a famous one), CREAM, RUSH, JOURNEY. - Actually, it's: - JOURNEY (Journeyman) - RUSH (Rushmore) - CREAM (Creamsicle) - ...? - Is it "ASTRO"? No. - What about "KISS" (Kisscam)? - KISS, RUSH, JOURNEY, CREAM. This is a perfect category: Progressive/Classic Rock bands at the start of longer words. 6. **Revised Categories:** - **Category A (Rock bands start the word):** KISSCAM (KISS), JOURNEYMAN (JOURNEY), RUSHMORE (RUSH), CREAMSICLE (CREAM). - **Category B (Stadium electronics/amenities):** JUMBOTRON, SCOREBOARD, SKYBOX, ASTROTURF. (Since KISSCAM moved to the band category). - **Category C (Italian City/Region things):** PARMESAN (Parma), BOLOGNESE (Bologna), NEAPOLITAN (Naples), VENETIAN (Venice). 7. **Let's test Category C.** It feels the most distinct.

1. **Analyze remaining words:** SKYBOX, KISSCAM, SCOREBOARD, ASTROTURF, JUMBOTRON, CREAMSICLE, RUSHMORE, JOURNEYMAN. 2. **Categorization:** - Group A (Rock bands + extra letters): - KISSCAM (KISS) - RUSHMORE (RUSH) - JOURNEYMAN (JOURNEY) - CREAMSICLE (CREAM) - Group B (Stadium features): - SKYBOX - SCOREBOARD - ASTROTURF - JUMBOTRON 3. **Verification:** - "CREAM", "JOURNEY", "KISS", and "RUSH" are all very famous rock bands. - SKYBOX, SCOREBOARD, ASTROTURF, and JUMBOTRON are all components/features found at a professional sports stadium. 4. **Selection:** I will go with the rock band category first to confirm the logic.

1. **Analyze the remaining words:** SKYBOX, SCOREBOARD, ASTROTURF, JUMBOTRON. 2. **Identify the category:** All four words are components or features found in a sports stadium or arena. - SKYBOX: A luxury seating area. - SCOREBOARD: Displays the current score of the game. - ASTROTURF: A brand of artificial grass used for playing surfaces. - JUMBOTRON: A large-screen television used to show close-ups and replays to the crowd. 3. **Final Check:** These four are the only words left and they share a clear, cohesive theme related to stadium infrastructure and amenities.

1. **Analyze the available words:** AURORA, SPLIT, AERIAL, ARIAL, LINEAR, VERDANA, MERIDA, ARIEL, GEORGIA, ROUNDOFF, IMPACT, ANGULAR, TIANA, AREAL, VOLUMETRIC, ARABESQUE. 2. **Identify potential categories:** * **Fonts:** ARIAL, VERDANA, GEORGIA, IMPACT. (These are standard system fonts). * **Disney Princesses:** AURORA (Sleeping Beauty), ARIEL (The Little Mermaid), MERIDA (Brave), TIANA (Princess and the Frog). * **Gymnastics Moves:** SPLIT, AERIAL, ROUNDOFF, ARABESQUE. * **Dimensional/Geometric Adjectives:** LINEAR (1D), AREAL (2D), VOLUMETRIC (3D), ANGULAR (maybe?). Wait, AERIAL vs AREAL is a common trick. AREAL refers to area. 3. **Verify the "Fonts" category:** * ARIAL, VERDANA, GEORGIA, IMPACT. These four fit perfectly together as common digital typefaces. 4. **Verify the "Disney Princesses" category:** * AURORA, ARIEL, MERIDA, TIANA. All are lead protagonists in Disney's "Princess" line. 5. **Verify "Gymnastics" vs "Geometric":** * Gymnastics: SPLIT, ROUNDOFF, ARABESQUE, AERIAL. * Geometric/Measurement terms: LINEAR (Length), AREAL (Area), VOLUMETRIC (Volume), ANGULAR (Angle). 6. **Check for overlaps/distractors:** * ARIAL (Font) vs ARIEL (Princess) vs AREAL (Geometric) vs AERIAL (Gymnastics). * IMPACT (Font) vs IMPACT (Physical collision - though it doesn't fit another set). This looks like a clean 4x4 split. I will start with the Fonts.

1. **Analyze remaining words:** AURORA, SPLIT, AERIAL, LINEAR, MERIDA, ARIEL, ROUNDOFF, ANGULAR, TIANA, AREAL, VOLUMETRIC, ARABESQUE. 2. **Categorize remaining words:** * **Disney Princesses:** AURORA, MERIDA, ARIEL, TIANA. (Strong group). * **Gymnastics Moves:** SPLIT, AERIAL, ROUNDOFF, ARABESQUE. (Strong group). * **Dimensions/Measurement Types:** LINEAR (1D/length), AREAL (2D/area), VOLUMETRIC (3D/volume), ANGULAR (angle). (Strong group). 3. **Check for potential traps:** * AERIAL (Gymnastics) vs. AREAL (Measurement). * ARIEL (Princess) vs. ARIAL (already used font). * AURORA (Princess) could be a natural phenomenon, but doesn't fit the others. The Disney Princesses group is very cohesive. I will proceed with that.

1. **Analyze remaining words:** SPLIT, AERIAL, LINEAR, ROUNDOFF, ANGULAR, AREAL, VOLUMETRIC, ARABESQUE. 2. **Categorize remaining words:** * **Measurement/Geometry (Related to dimensions):** * LINEAR (Length/1D) * AREAL (Area/2D) * VOLUMETRIC (Volume/3D) * ANGULAR (Angle/Rotation) * **Gymnastics/Dance moves:** * SPLIT * AERIAL * ROUNDOFF * ARABESQUE 3. **Check for traps:** "AERIAL" and "AREAL" are homophones often paired in these puzzles to confuse the themes. AERIAL (a flip or jump without hands) belongs with the gymnastics moves, while AREAL (relating to area) belongs with the dimensional terms. 4. **Group 1 (Measurements):** LINEAR, AREAL, VOLUMETRIC, ANGULAR. 5. **Group 2 (Gymnastics):** SPLIT, AERIAL, ROUNDOFF, ARABESQUE. I'll submit the Gymnastics group first.

The remaining words are LINEAR, AREAL, VOLUMETRIC, and ANGULAR. - LINEAR relates to length or one dimension. - AREAL relates to area or two dimensions. - VOLUMETRIC relates to volume or three dimensions. - ANGULAR relates to angles or rotation. These are all adjectives describing different types of geometric or physical measurement.

I am looking for connections among the 16 words. 1. **Relax/Idle behavior**: LOUNGE, CHILL, VEG, LOAF. This seems like a very strong category for "to spend time idly." 2. **Parts of a Bar/Restaurant**: BAR, TABLE, BOOTH, COUNTER. These are all places one might sit or eat. 3. **Smartphone/Tablet Gestures**: TAP, SWIPE, SCROLL, PINCH (zoom). These are standard touch interactions. 4. **Wait, what's left?** QUASH, ALE, HIVE, EEK. Checking for other links: * QUASH - to suppress. * HIVE, ALE, EEK... looking closer. * Wait, look at the gestures again: TAP, SWIPE, SCROLL, PINCH. * Look at the "Idle" group again: LOUNGE, CHILL, VEG, LOAF. * Look at the "Seating" group: BAR, TABLE, BOOTH, COUNTER. * Let's re-examine the leftovers: ALE, HIVE, EEK, QUASH. Wait, "B-": - B+ALE = BALE - B+HIVE = BHIVE (No, BEEHIVE) - B+EEK = BEEK (No) - B+QUASH = BQUASH (No) Let's look for "S-" or "C-": - S+QUASH = SQUASH - S+TABLE = STABLE - S+WIPE (SWIPE) - S+TABLE (Wait, TABLE is already used) Wait, look at the last 4 if I use the first three categories: ALE, HIVE, EEK, QUASH. If I add a 'S' to them: - S + ALE = SALE - S + HIVE = SHIVE (No) - S + EEK = SEEK - S + QUASH = SQUASH Let's try a different prefix: "B-": - B + ALE = BALE - B + AR = BAR (Already a word) - B + OOTH = BOOTH (Already a word) - B + EEK = BEEK (No) What about categories of words that can follow or precede a word? "BEE": BEEHIVE, BEE... Let's try the most certain ones first. Category 1: LOUNGE, CHILL, VEG, LOAF (Relaxing) Category 2: TAP, SWIPE, SCROLL, PINCH (Touchscreen gestures) Category 3: BAR, TABLE, BOOTH, COUNTER (Furniture/Seating) Remaining: ALE, HIVE, EEK, QUASH. Wait! "BEE" prefix: BEE+ALE (No), BEE+HIVE (Yes), BEE+EEK (No). Wait, "S": S+QUASH, S+TABLE, S+WIPE, S+ALE. No. Let's look at ALE, HIVE, EEK, QUASH again. SQUASH, SHIVE (no), SEEK, SALE. No. Wait! **S-QUASH, S-TABLE, S-WIPE, S-ALE**. (S+WIPE = SWIPE). If TABLE is in this set, then the furniture set needs another word. Is there another word for furniture? BAR, BOOTH, COUNTER... maybe LOUNGE? No, LOUNGE/CHILL/VEG/LOAF is too perfect. Let's look at ALE, HIVE, EEK, QUASH again. Wait: B-EE, B-AR, B-OOTH, B-EEHIVE? No. What about "Words that sound like a single letter"? - ALE (L) - HIVE (No) - EEK (No) - TABLE (No) - BAR (No) - TAP (No) - VEG (No) Let's look at the "Idle" group again. LOAF, LOUNGE, VEG, CHILL. Let's look at the "Gesture" group again. TAP, SWIPE, PINCH, SCROLL. Let's look at the "Furniture" group again. BAR, TABLE, BOOTH, COUNTER. Leftovers: ALE, HIVE, EEK, QUASH. Wait! "B" prefix: B + ALE = BALE B + EEK = BEEK (No) B + HIVE = BEEHIVE (phonetic) B + AR = BAR This is tough. Wait! Let's try "Words that start with a letter that sounds like a word": - B-AR (BAR) - B-OOTH (BOOTH) - B-EE (EEK?? No) Let's try the Idle group first, it's very likely.

The previous guess was correct. Remaining words: TABLE, BAR, QUASH, TAP, SWIPE, ALE, PINCH, HIVE, EEK, BOOTH, COUNTER, SCROLL. As identified in the first thinking step, there are two very strong potential categories here: 1. **Smartphone Gestures**: TAP, SWIPE, PINCH, SCROLL. 2. **Types of Seating/Furniture in a Diner or Pub**: BAR, TABLE, BOOTH, COUNTER. If these two categories are correct, the remaining four words would be: ALE, HIVE, EEK, QUASH. Let's analyze ALE, HIVE, EEK, QUASH: - If we add 'S' to the front of these: - S + ALE = SALE - S + HIVE = SHIVE (No) - S + EEK = SEEK - S + QUASH = SQUASH - If we look for another prefix: - S + QUASH = SQUASH - S + TABLE = STABLE - S + ALE = SALE - S + PEEK (No) Wait, let's look at the gestures again: TAP, SWIPE, PINCH, SCROLL. This is a very standard set for touchscreens. Let's look at the furniture/seating: BAR, TABLE, BOOTH, COUNTER. This is also a very standard set for eating establishments. Let's re-examine ALE, HIVE, EEK, QUASH. Wait! "Words that follow a letter": B + ALE = BALE B + HIVE = BEEHIVE B + EEK = (No) Wait! "S-" prefix again: S + QUASH = SQUASH S + ALE = SALE S + PEEK? (No, EEK) S + TABLE = STABLE Let's look for "B" again: B + AR = BAR B + OOTH = BOOTH B + EE = BEE B + ALE = BALE Let's try the Smartphone Gestures first, as they seem most distinct.

Remaining words: TABLE, BAR, QUASH, ALE, HIVE, EEK, BOOTH, COUNTER. Potential categories: 1. **Diner/Restaurant Seating**: BAR, BOOTH, COUNTER, TABLE. 2. **Words that sound like they start with a letter**: - ALE (A-LE?) - HIVE (No) - EEK (E-EK?) - QUASH (No) Wait, let's look at ALE, HIVE, EEK, QUASH. - S + QUASH = SQUASH - S + ALE = SALE - S + EEK = SEEK - S + HIVE = SHIVE (No) Wait! Look at the words again. "BEE" words? - BEEHIVE - BEEK (No, that's "Beak") - BEE (Wait, BEE is not there) Let's look at the remaining words: TABLE, BAR, QUASH, ALE, HIVE, EEK, BOOTH, COUNTER. Is "SQUASH" a thing? Yes. Is "STABLE" a thing? Yes. (S + TABLE) Is "SALE" a thing? Yes. (S + ALE) Is "SEEK" a thing? Yes. (S + EEK) S + QUASH, S + TABLE, S + ALE, S + EEK. If this "S + [Word]" category is correct, then the remaining words are: BAR, HIVE, BOOTH, COUNTER. What links BAR, HIVE, BOOTH, COUNTER? - They are all places where things live or are kept? - A HIVE is for bees. - A BAR? (No) - A BOOTH? (No) - A COUNTER? (No) Wait, let's try the Seating category again: BAR, TABLE, BOOTH, COUNTER. If I use these four, I am left with: QUASH, ALE, HIVE, EEK. What connects QUASH, ALE, HIVE, EEK? Wait... "S-" words? S + QUASH = SQUASH S + ALE = SALE S + HIVE = SHIVE (No) S + EEK = SEEK What about "B-"? B + ALE = BALE B + EEK = BEAK (homophone) B + HIVE = BEEHIVE B + QUASH = (No) Wait!! ALE, QUASH, HIVE, COUNTER? No. Let's look at the remaining words one more time: TABLE, BAR, QUASH, ALE, HIVE, EEK, BOOTH, COUNTER. Could the category be "Types of Bee"? HIVE, ALE (No), ... Let's try the seating category. It's very cohesive.

The remaining words are: QUASH, ALE, HIVE, EEK. I need to find a category for these four words: 1. ALE 2. EEK 3. HIVE 4. QUASH Let's test the "Words that sound like a letter + another word" (phonetic prefixing): - B + ALE = BALE - B + EEK = BEAK (phonetic "B") - B + HIVE = BEEHIVE (phonetic "B") - B + QUASH = (No) Wait, let's look at the words again: - S + QUASH = SQUASH - S + ALE = SALE - S + EEK = SEEK - S + HIVE = SHIVE (No) Let's look at another letter: 'B' - BEE + ALE = (No) - BEE + HIVE = BEEHIVE - BEE + QUASH = (No) What about "W" (Double-u)? No. Wait! Let's check the letters of the alphabet again. Which letter can be placed in front of these words to form new words? S-QUASH (Yes) S-ALE (Yes) S-HIVE (No) S-EEK (Yes) What about "P"? P-ALE (Yes) P-EEK (Yes) P-HIVE (No) P-QUASH (No) Let's try "M"? M-ALE (Yes) M-EEK (Yes) M-HIVE (No) M-QUASH (No) Wait! Let's try prefixes for the word "BEE"? HIVE (BEEHIVE) ALE (BEE... no) QUASH (BEE... no) EEK (BEE... no) Let's look at the words again: QUASH, ALE, HIVE, EEK. Oh! Wait! "Words that rhyme with a letter of the alphabet": - ALE (Rhymes with... J? No.) - EEK (Rhymes with... no.) - HIVE (Rhymes with... I? No.) - QUASH (Rhymes with... no.) Wait! How about the letter "B" sounds? - ALE -> B + ALE = BALE - HIVE -> B + HIVE = BEEHIVE - EEK -> B + EEK = BEAK - QUASH -> B + QUASH = (No) Wait, let me look at the words one more time. QUASH, ALE, HIVE, EEK. Could it be "SQU-"? - SQU + ALE = SQUALE (No) - SQU + EEK = SQUEAK - SQU + HIVE = (No) - SQU + ASH = QUASH (No, S + QUASH = SQUASH) Wait! S + QUASH = SQUASH S + ALE = SALE S + HIVE = SHIVE (is a word? A thin sliver) S + EEK = SEEK Let's try "B" again... Wait, let's look for synonyms of "SQUASH": QUASH and CRUSH? (Not here) HIVE? (No) ALE? (No) Let's look at "Words starting with a silent letter"? No. What if the category is "Be-"? - BE + QUASH = BEQUEATH? (No) - BE + HIVE = BEHAVE? - BE + ALE = (No) - BE + EEK = (No) Wait... "S-" words: S + ALE = SALE S + EEK = SEEK S + HIVE = SHIVE S + QUASH = SQUASH Let's look for other options... Wait! ALE, HIVE, EEK, QUASH. Squash, Beehive, Beak, Bale... No. Wait! Squeak (S+QUASH is not SQUEAK). S + QUASH = SQUASH S + ALE = SALE S + EEK = SEEK S + HIVE = SHIVE Actually, let's look at "Words that follow 'BEE'": BEEHIVE BEE... (No) Wait!! I have it: SQUEAK SQUASH SQUALE (No) Let's look at the remaining words one more time: ALE, HIVE, EEK, QUASH. ALE, HIVE, EEK, QUASH... Wait! "Words that sound like alphabet letters" was already dismissed, but: ALE (L) EEK (Something?) HIVE (No) QUASH (No) Wait! "B" prefix: - B + ALE = BALE - B + EEK = BEAK - B + HIVE = BEEHIVE - B + QUASH = (No) Maybe the category is simply "Words that become new words when 'S' is added" and I'm overthinking HIVE. S+ALE = SALE S+EEK = SEEK S+HIVE = SHIVE (Yes, it's a word, meaning a fragment of flax or a bung) S+QUASH = SQUASH Let's check "SQUEAK": S + QUEAK (Is 'queak' a word? No). But "S + QUASH" is "SQUASH". Wait, S + PEEK? No, it's EEK. S + EEK = SEEK. S + ALE = SALE. Is there another word besides HIVE? No, these are the only four left.

I am looking for connections among the 16 words. 1. **Nonsense/Lies**: HOGWASH, HORSEFEATHERS, BUNK, CROCK. These are all synonyms for "nonsense." 2. **Knots**: BEND, HITCH, BOWLINE, SHEEPSHANK. These are all types of knots. 3. **Track and Field Events/Equipment**: HURDLE, HAMMER, POLE, BATON. These are all associated with track and field athletics. 4. **Devil components/Visuals**: HORNS, TAIL, PITCHFORK, GOATEE. These are traditional features used to depict a devil. I will start with the "Nonsense" category as it seems very cohesive.

The remaining words are: BEND, HITCH, BOWLINE, SHEEPSHANK, HURDLE, HAMMER, POLE, BATON, HORNS, TAIL, PITCHFORK, GOATEE. I have identified three potential groups: 1. Knots: BEND, HITCH, BOWLINE, SHEEPSHANK. 2. Track and Field: HURDLE, HAMMER, POLE, BATON. 3. Devil Imagery: HORNS, TAIL, PITCHFORK, GOATEE. I will proceed with the "Knots" category. BOWLINE and SHEEPSHANK are very specific to knots, and BEND and HITCH are also standard nautical/climbing knot classifications.

Remaining words: BATON, GOATEE, HAMMER, HORNS, HURDLE, PITCHFORK, POLE, TAIL. I horizontal scan the remaining words for the categories identified earlier: 1. Track and Field / Athletics: BATON (relay), HAMMER (throw), HURDLE (race), POLE (vault). 2. Depictions of the Devil: GOATEE, HORNS, PITCHFORK, TAIL. Both categories look very solid. I will submit the Track and Field group.

The remaining words are GOATEE, HORNS, PITCHFORK, and TAIL. These are all traditional physical attributes or accessories associated with modern depictions of the devil or a satyr. - HORNS: On the head. - TAIL: Often pointed or spade-tipped. - GOATEE: A pointed beard. - PITCHFORK: The tool he is often shown holding. This completes the final set.

I am looking for groups of four related words. 1. **WAFFLE, PUMP, FLAT, HEEL**: These are all types of shoes (or shoe components). WAFFLE refers to a waffle sole, PUMP is a type of heel/sole style, FLAT is a type of shoe, and HEEL is a specific part or style. 2. **SAY, SPEAK, VOICE, VOTE**: These are synonyms for expressing an opinion or exercising one's right to choose in a selection process (e.g., "to have a say"). 3. **WHOLE, NATURAL, QUARTER, FLAT**: These could be terms related to music (notes/accidentals). However, FLAT and NATURAL fit, but QUARTER and WHOLE notes also fit. Let's see if there's a better fit for FLOAT/FLAT. 4. **STEAM, SHAKE, WAFFLE, TIRE**: These could potentially follow words like "Milk" (Milkshake, Milk-steam?) - no. 5. **SHAKE, WAFFLE, TIRE, DOWN**: "Waffle" also means to indecisive. 6. Let's re-examine the **SHOES** connection: **HEEL, PUMP, FLAT, WAFFLE** (Waffle trainers). 7. Let's re-examine **OPINION/EXPRESSION**: **SAY, VOICE, VOTE, CHOICE**. "Speak" also fits here. If I use SAY, VOICE, VOTE, and CHOICE, what is left for SPEAK? 8. Let's look at **SAY, VOICE, VOTE, SPEAK**. These all mean to verbalize or express. 9. Let's look at **SHAKE, STEAM, TIRE, DOWN**: These follow "MILK" (Milkshake, Milk-steam? No). They follow "PRESS" (Press down, Press tire? No). 10. Wait, **WHOLE, NATURAL, QUARTER, DOWN**: In football? No. 11. Let's look at **FLAT, TIRE, PUMP, SPARE (not here)**: Car related? **FLAT, TIRE, PUMP**. 12. Let's look at types of **MILK**: **WHOLE, NATURAL, SHAKE, STEAM**? No. 13. Let's look at **QUARTER, WAFFLE, SHAKE, DOWN**: Slang for "to search"? No. 14. Let's look at the "SAY" synonyms again: **SAY, SPEAK, VOICE, VOTE**. These are very strong. 15. If I choose **SAY, SPEAK, VOICE, VOTE**, the remaining words are: WAFFLE, CHOICE, WHOLE, HEEL, PUMP, DOWN, SHAKE, STEAM, TIRE, QUARTER, NATURAL, FLAT. 16. From those: **FLAT, NATURAL, SHARP (not here), WHOLE**? Musically, a "Whole note", "Quarter note", "Natural", "Flat". This looks like a group: **WHOLE, QUARTER, NATURAL, FLAT**. 17. Remaining: **WAFFLE, CHOICE, HEEL, PUMP, DOWN, SHAKE, STEAM, TIRE**. 18. **SHAKE, STEAM, WAFFLE, PUMP**? No. 19. **HEEL, PUMP, FLAT** (already used), **WAFFLE**? 20. Let's try the "Synonyms for expressing opinion" first.

I see that "SAY, SPEAK, VOICE, VOTE" was incorrect, likely because they are divided differently or I missed a better synonym. Let's re-evaluate the "SAY/OPINION" group. Frequently, these words are **SAY, VOICE, VOTE, CHOICE**. This leaves **SPEAK** for something else. Let's look at the remaining words: WAFFLE, CHOICE, WHOLE, HEEL, SPEAK, PUMP, DOWN, SHAKE, STEAM, TIRE, QUARTER, NATURAL, FLAT. Wait, I see a connection for words that can precede "MILK": - WHOLE (Whole milk) - SHAKE (Milkshake) - STEAM (Steamed milk) - But what's the fourth? Maybe NATURAL? Wait, let's look at the "SHOE" category again: - HEEL - PUMP - FLAT - WAFFLE (Famous Nike waffle sole) Wait, let's look for words related to "AMERICAN FOOTBALL": - QUARTER (as in Quarterback) - DOWN - Choice? No. - Flat? No. Let's look at another category: Verbs meaning to waver or lose energy. - TIRE (to flag) - WAFFLE (to be indecisive) - SHAKE (to tremble) - FLAG (not here) Wait, what about things that follow "PRESSED": - FLAT (Pressed flat) - STEAM (Steam-pressed) - CHOICE (No) - VOICE (No) Let's try the Music category again: - NATURAL - FLAT - QUARTER (Quarter note) - WHOLE (Whole note) This feels very strong. Let's look at what remains if I take these: WAFFLE, CHOICE, HEEL, SPEAK, PUMP, DOWN, VOICE, VOTE, SHAKE, STEAM, TIRE, SAY. Look at: - PUMP - HEEL - FLAT (wait, FLAT was in music) - WAFFLE These are types of shoe soles/shoes. If FLAT is music, I need a fourth for shoes. Remaining: CHOICE, HEEL, SPEAK, PUMP, DOWN, VOICE, VOTE, SHAKE, STEAM, TIRE, SAY. Wait! **SAY, VOICE, VOTE, SPEAK**... I already tried that and it was incorrect. How about: **SAY, VOICE, VOTE, CHOICE**? If I take **SAY, VOICE, VOTE, CHOICE** (Synonyms for "A say in something"). And I take **NATURAL, FLAT, QUARTER, WHOLE** (Music terms). I am left with: **WAFFLE, HEEL, SPEAK, PUMP, DOWN, SHAKE, STEAM, TIRE**. Looking at those: - SHAKE - WAFFLE - DOWN - [TIRE?] No. Wait! Words that follow "UP": - SPEAK (Speak up) - SHAKE (Shake up, though "up-shake" isn't a thing) - Wait... **BEEF, BACK, CHECK**... no. Let's try "___ UP": - SPEAK up - WAFFLE (no) - STEAM (Steam up) - SHAKE (Shake up) - VOTE (Vote up) - No. Let's look at "___ DOWN": - SHAKE down - TIRE down (no, tire out) - WAFFLE (no) - PUMP (no) Let's look at types of **PUMPS**: - HEEL (High heel) - PUMP - FLAT - WAFFLE These are all shoes. Let's assume these 4 are a group. If **HEEL, PUMP, FLAT, WAFFLE** are "Types of Shoes": Remaining: CHOICE, WHOLE, SPEAK, DOWN, VOICE, VOTE, SHAKE, STEAM, TIRE, SAY, QUARTER, NATURAL. Look at **QUARTER, WHOLE, NATURAL, [?]**. If not FLAT, what else fits? Maybe **SHAKE**? (No). Wait! **QUARTER, DOWN, STEAM, SHAKE**? No. **TIRE, STEAM, PUMP, SHAKE**? (Related to pressure/valves?) Let's try a different set of synonyms for "SAY": - SAY - VOICE - SPEAK - WORD (not here) What about words for **"nothing/zero"**: - FLAT (as in "flat broke")? No. Let's try the shoe category. It's too specific to ignore. HEEL, PUMP, FLAT, WAFFLE.

Okay, the shoe category was wrong, probably because FLAT belongs elsewhere. Let's look at the remaining words: WAFFLE, CHOICE, WHOLE, HEEL, SPEAK, PUMP, DOWN, VOICE, VOTE, SHAKE, STEAM, TIRE, SAY, QUARTER, NATURAL, FLAT. Wait, I see **WAFFLE, SHAKE, PUMP, STEAM**. No... How about words that go with **"CHEST"**? No. Let's look at **QUARTER, DOWN, WHOLE, FLAT**. These are all related to American Football positions or terms? A "Down", a "Quarter", a "Whole"... no. Wait! **WHOLE, NATURAL, FLAT, SHARP**. (I don't have SHARP). What about **WHOLE, NATURAL, QUARTER, HALF**? (I don't have HALF). Let's look at the shoes again: **PUMP, HEEL, FLAT, ...** maybe **TIRE**? (No). What about **FLAT, TIRE, SHAKE, WAFFLE**? (No). Let's look at synonyms for **HESITATE**: - WAFFLE - SHAKE (no) - SPEAK (no) Wait! **SAY, SPEAK, VOICE, ...** if it wasn't VOTE, could it be **TELL** (not here)? What about words that mean **"to express"**: **SAY, SPEAK, VOICE, TELL**? No. Let's try "Words that precede **'CHICKEN'**": - WAFFLE (Chicken and Waffles) - [?] Let's try **"___ HOUSE"**: - WAFFLE (Waffle House) - STEAM (no) - PUMP (no) - WHOLE (no) Let's look at the words again: HEEL, TIRE, DOWN, ... Wait! **HEEL, TIRE, SHAKE, STEAM**? No. Look at **QUARTER, CHOICE, NATURAL, PUMP**. Wait! **NATURAL, CHOICE, QUARTER, PUMP**? No. What about **"Types of Water"**: - NATURAL (Natural water) - STEAM (Steam?) - [?] Wait! **SAY, VOICE, VOTE, ...** Is it **SAY, VOICE, VOTE, CHOICE**? (Terms for having an influence). Remaining: WAFFLE, WHOLE, HEEL, SPEAK, PUMP, DOWN, SHAKE, STEAM, TIRE, QUARTER, NATURAL, FLAT. Wait! **WHOLE, NATURAL, FLAT, ...** what is the 4th? In music, **WHOLE, QUARTER, FLAT, NATURAL**. These are definitely musical! - WHOLE note - QUARTER note - FLAT (accidental) - NATURAL (accidental) Let's try this. If I take **WHOLE, QUARTER, FLAT, NATURAL**: Remaining: WAFFLE, CHOICE, HEEL, SPEAK, PUMP, DOWN, VOICE, VOTE, SHAKE, STEAM, TIRE, SAY. Now, let's look at **SAY, VOICE, VOTE, CHOICE**. (Having a "say"). Remaining: WAFFLE, HEEL, SPEAK, PUMP, DOWN, SHAKE, STEAM, TIRE. Look at **WAFFLE, HEEL, PUMP, TIRE**?? Wait... **PUMP, HEEL, FLAT**... but I used FLAT. What if the shoes are **PUMP, HEEL, WAFFLE, ...**? Wait! **TIRE, DOWN, SHAKE, STEAM**. **TIRE, DOWN, SHAKE, STEAM**... wait, these are all things you can do to a person to weaken them? "Tire them out", "Shake them up", "Steam" them? No. Wait! **TIRE, SHAKE, WOBBLE (no), WAFFLE**. No. Let's look at **PUMP, STEAM, SHAKE, WAFFLE**. These are all things you can do to **"PRESSURE"**? No. Wait! **TIRE, PUMP, FLAT, ...** These are **BICYCLE/CAR** words: - TIRE - PUMP - FLAT - **DOWN**? No. **VALVE**? No. **HEEL**? No. **SPOKE** (not here). Wait! **SPEAK, SAY, VOICE, VOTE**. I already tried that. What if it's **SPEAK, SAY, VOICE, TELL** (not here)? How about **SPEAK, TALK, SAY, VOICE**? (No talk). Wait! **QUARTER, WAFFLE, SHAKE, DOWN**. **QUARTER, WAFFLE, SHAKE, DOWN**. Are these related to money or a "shakedown"? - SHAKE-down - WAFFLE (no) Let's try **VOICE, VOTE, SAY, CHOICE**. If this is a group (synonyms for "right to decide"). Remaining words: WAFFLE, WHOLE, HEEL, SPEAK, PUMP, DOWN, SHAKE, STEAM, TIRE, QUARTER, NATURAL, FLAT. Wait! **WHOLE, NATURAL, FLAT, SHARP**. (Still no sharp). Look at **TIRE, STEAM, SHAKE, PUMP**. (Wait! These are all related to **energy/physical states**?) Look at **WAFFLE, SPEAK, HEEL, DOWN**. (Wait! Commands for a dog!) - SPEAK! - HEEL! - DOWN! - **STAY** (not here). Is there another dog command? - **SHAKE**! (Yes!) **SPEAK, HEEL, DOWN, SHAKE** are all dog commands! This leaves: VOICE, VOTE, SAY, CHOICE (Right to decide) WHOLE, QUARTER, NATURAL, FLAT (Music) TIRE, STEAM, PUMP, WAFFLE... No. Wait, if dog commands are **SPEAK, HEEL, DOWN, SHAKE**. And Music is **WHOLE, QUARTER, NATURAL, FLAT**. And "Right to decide" is **VOICE, VOTE, SAY, CHOICE**. What is left? **TIRE, STEAM, PUMP, WAFFLE**. Wait! **TIRE, STEAM, PUMP, WAFFLE**... (These are all related to **irons**? No. Types of **valves**? No.) Wait! **TIRE, STEAM, PUMP, WAFFLE**... **IRONS**! - Tire iron - Steam iron - Pump (no) - Waffle iron What else? - **FLAT** iron! - **PUMP**? (No). Let's rethink. **TYPES OF IRONS**: - WAFFLE - STEAM - FLAT - TIRE (Waffle iron, Steam iron, Flat iron, Tire iron). YES! Now what's left: - **HEEL, DOWN, SHAKE, SPEAK** (Dog commands) - **SAY, VOICE, VOTE, CHOICE** (Right to decide) - **WHOLE, QUARTER, NATURAL, PUMP** (No...) Wait, **WHOLE, QUARTER, ...** What about **PUMP, HEEL, ...** Wait! **SHOE TYPES**: - PUMP - HEEL - FLAT (used in irons) - WAFFLE (used in irons) Let's try again. **IRONS**: **TIRE, WAFFLE, STEAM, FLAT** **DOG COMMANDS**: **HEEL, DOWN, SHAKE, SPEAK** **A "SAY"**: **SAY, VOICE, VOTE, CHOICE** **MUSIC/OTHER**: **WHOLE, QUARTER, NATURAL, PUMP**... No. Wait! **HEART** words? - WHOLE heart - PUMP (the heart pumps) - [?] Wait! **TYPES OF PUMPS**: - WHOLE (no) - NATURAL (no) Let's try a different 4th for **IRONS**: - WAFFLE - STEAM - TIRE - **PUMP**? (No). **BRANDING**? (No). Let's look at **QUARTER, WHOLE, ...** (Coins?) - QUARTER - [?] Wait! **QUARTER, NATURAL, ...** Let's try: 1. **DOG COMMANDS**: DOWN, HEEL, SHAKE, SPEAK. 2. **SAY/INFLUENCE**: CHOICE, SAY, VOICE, VOTE. 3. **IRONS**: FLAT, STEAM, TIRE, WAFFLE. 4. **MUSIC/OTHER**: WHOLE, NATURAL, PUMP, QUARTER. (Wait, PUMP doesn't fit). Is **PUMP** a shoe? **PUMP, HEEL, FLAT, ...** If **PUMP, HEEL, FLAT** are shoes, what is the 4th? **WAFFLE**? (Waffle sole). If **PUMP, HEEL, FLAT, WAFFLE** are shoes. Then **IRONS** must be: **TIRE, STEAM, ...** (I need two more). What if **IRONS** are: **TIRE, STEAM, BRANDING (no), ...** Wait! **FLAT** is an iron. **WAFFLE** is an iron. **STEAM** is an iron. **TIRE** is an iron. These four are perfect for **IRONS**. If **IRONS** are **FLAT, STEAM, TIRE, WAFFLE**. And **DOG COMMANDS** are **DOWN, HEEL, SHAKE, SPEAK**. And **"A STAY IN"** is **CHOICE, SAY, VOICE, VOTE**. The remaining are: **WHOLE, QUARTER, NATURAL, PUMP**. Are these related? Wait... **PUMP**... **WHOLE, QUARTER, NATURAL, ...** **GAS**? - PUMP (Gas pump) - NATURAL (Natural gas) - QUARTER (No) - WHOLE (No) Wait! **MILK**! - WHOLE milk - NATURAL milk (No) - PUMP milk (No) - 2% (No) Wait! **WHOLE, QUARTER, ...** (Fractional terms?) - WHOLE - QUARTER - [?] WAIT. **PUMP, SHAKE, STEAM, ...** Wait, I already did Dog Commands. Let's try the Dog Commands first, they seem very solid.

I previously guessed "FLAT, STEAM, TIRE, WAFFLE" as types of irons, but it was incorrect. Let's look at the remaining words: WAFFLE, CHOICE, WHOLE, PUMP, VOICE, VOTE, STEAM, TIRE, SAY, QUARTER, NATURAL, FLAT. Wait, looking at the words again: - **SAY, VOICE, VOTE, CHOICE**: Synonyms for "right to decide/have an influence". - **WHOLE, NATURAL, FLAT, QUARTER**: These are all musical terms (note values and accidentals). "Whole note", "Quarter note", "Flat", "Natural". - **TIRE, STEAM, PUMP, WAFFLE**: What connects these? Wait... - **TIRE** out, **STEAM** out, **PUMP** out, **WAFFLE** out? No. - **PUMP, TIRE, ...** Wait, let's look at the synonyms again. Maybe the "say" category is different. What if **WAFFLE** belongs in the "hesitate" category? No, I already used the other words. What if the music category is **FLAT, NATURAL, SHARP (no), WHOLE, QUARTER?** (I have four of those). Let's try: 1. **SAY, VOICE, VOTE, CHOICE** 2. **WHOLE, QUARTER, NATURAL, FLAT** 3. **TIRE, STEAM, PUMP, WAFFLE** Wait, let's look at that third group again. TIRE, STEAM, PUMP, WAFFLE. Could they be **types of power/engines**? No. Words that precede **"IRON"**: - **TIRE** iron - **WAFFLE** iron - **STEAM** iron - **PUMP**... No. - **FLAT** iron! So, the IRONS are **TIRE, WAFFLE, STEAM, FLAT**. (I guessed this and it was incorrent). Why? Maybe because one of those doesn't belong. Is it **VOTE** iron? No. **SAY** iron? No. **PUMP** iron! **TO PUMP IRON!** So: **WAFFLE iron, TIRE iron, STEAM iron, PUMP iron**. This makes sense! Now, if the **IRONS** are **WAFFLE, TIRE, STEAM, PUMP**: Remaining: **CHOICE, WHOLE, VOICE, VOTE, SAY, QUARTER, NATURAL, FLAT**. 1. **SAY, VOICE, VOTE, CHOICE** (Right to decide) 2. **WHOLE, QUARTER, NATURAL, FLAT** (Music/Notes) This looks perfect.

Remaining words: CHOICE, WHOLE, VOICE, VOTE, SAY, QUARTER, NATURAL, FLAT. 1. Category 1: Voice/Right to decide - CHOICE - SAY - VOICE - VOTE 2. Category 2: Music terms - FLAT (Accidental) - NATURAL (Accidental) - QUARTER (Note) - WHOLE (Note) These two categories seem distinct and cover all remaining words.

The remaining words are FLAT, NATURAL, QUARTER, and WHOLE. These are all musical notation terms (notes and accidentals: flat, natural, quarter note, whole note).

1. **Analyze the words:** LAVENDER, MOSQUITO, TIDBIT, AMBER, MINT, BUNDLE, KERNEL, AMETHYST, FORTUNE, PALEONTOLOGIST, DINOSAUR, PEARL, NUGGET, PILE, EGGPLANT, GRIMACE. 2. **Identify Potential Categories:** * **Purple Things:** LAVENDER, AMETHYST, EGGPLANT, GRIMACE (the McDonald's character). * **Small pieces of information/items:** TIDBIT, KERNEL, NUGGET, PEARL (as in "pearls of wisdom"). * **Jurassic Park/Paleontology:** MOSQUITO, AMBER, PALEONTOLOGIST, DINOSAUR. * **A large amount of money/items:** BUNDLE, FORTUNE, PILE, MINT (as in "making a mint"). 3. **Cross-check groups:** * Group 1 (Purple): LAVENDER, AMETHYST, EGGPLANT, GRIMACE. * Group 2 (Jurassic Park): MOSQUITO, AMBER, PALEONTOLOGIST, DINOSAUR. * Group 3 (A lot of money): BUNDLE, FORTUNE, PILE, MINT. * Group 4 (Small bits): TIDBIT, KERNEL, NUGGET, PEARL. 4. The themes seem very solid. I'll start with the "Purple Things" group.

Now that the purple items are removed, let's look at the remaining words: MOSQUITO, TIDBIT, AMBER, MINT, BUNDLE, KERNEL, FORTUNE, PALEONTOLOGIST, DINOSAUR, PEARL, NUGGET, PILE. I have three potential groups identified earlier: 1. **Jurassic Park elements:** MOSQUITO, AMBER, PALEONTOLOGIST, DINOSAUR. (In the movie/book, a mosquito trapped in amber allowed for the cloning of dinosaurs, studied by paleontologists). 2. **Large amounts of money:** BUNDLE, FORTUNE, MINT, PILE. (e.g., "cost a bundle", "made a fortune", "made a mint", "a pile of cash"). 3. **Small bits (usually of information):** TIDBIT, KERNEL, NUGGET, PEARL. (e.g., "tidbit of info", "kernel of truth", "nugget of wisdom", "pearl of wisdom"). I will proceed with the "Large amounts of money" category.

Remaining words: MOSQUITO, TIDBIT, AMBER, KERNEL, PALEONTOLOGIST, DINOSAUR, PEARL, NUGGET. I have two clear groups left: 1. **Jurassic Park:** MOSQUITO, AMBER, PALEONTOLOGIST, DINOSAUR. These are all central elements of the Jurassic Park premise (a paleontologist discovers/works with dinosaurs created from DNA found in a mosquito trapped in amber). 2. **Small bits of information:** TIDBIT, KERNEL, NUGGET, PEARL. These are often used metaphorically for pieces of knowledge or truth (e.g., "nugget of information", "pearl of wisdom", "kernel of truth", "tidbit of news"). I'll go with the "Small bits of information" group next.

The remaining words are: MOSQUITO, AMBER, PALEONTOLOGIST, and DINOSAUR. These words are all closely associated with the movie "Jurassic Park". In the story, a PALEONTOLOGIST (Dr. Alan Grant) is invited to a park featuring cloned DINOSAURS. The cloning was made possible by extracting dinosaur DNA from a prehistoric MOSQUITO that had been preserved in AMBER. This completes the final category.

1. **Analyze available words:** HEAD, GROUNDS, CHAIR, FICTION, PEA, COCO, UNCHAINED, DOGS, HAZEL, FIELD, LAWN, DIRECTOR, CHEST, BROWN, GREEN, CHIEF. 2. **Identify potential categories:** * **Positions of Authority/Leadership:** HEAD, CHAIR, DIRECTOR, CHIEF. * **Colors/Nuts:** PEA, COCO, HAZEL, CHEST (all precede "NUT"). * **Quentin Tarantino Movies (missing "Django"):** UNCHAINED, FICTION, DOGS, BROWN (Django Unchained, Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, Jackie Brown). * **Gardening/Property:** GROUNDS, FIELD, LAWN, GREEN. 3. **Verify the groups:** * Group 1: HEAD, CHAIR, DIRECTOR, CHIEF (Synonyms for leader/presiding officer). * Group 2: PEA, COCO, HAZEL, CHEST (Words before "NUT"). * Group 3: UNCHAINED, FICTION, DOGS, BROWN (Second words of Tarantino movies). * Group 4: GROUNDS, FIELD, LAWN, GREEN (Grassy areas). 4. **Conclusion:** Let's start with the most distinct group: the positions of authority.

Now that CHAIR, CHIEF, DIRECTOR, and HEAD are removed, I have: GROUNDS, FICTION, PEA, COCO, UNCHAINED, DOGS, HAZEL, FIELD, LAWN, CHEST, BROWN, GREEN. Looking at the remaining words: 1. **___ NUT:** PEA (Peanut), COCO (Coconut), HAZEL (Hazelnut), CHEST (Chestnut). 2. **Tarantino Movies:** UNCHAINED (Django Unchained), FICTION (Pulp Fiction), DOGS (Reservoir Dogs), BROWN (Jackie Brown). 3. **Grassy Areas:** GROUNDS, FIELD, LAWN, GREEN. Let's test the "___ NUT" category next.

Remaining words: GROUNDS, FICTION, UNCHAINED, DOGS, FIELD, LAWN, BROWN, GREEN. Looking at the remaining words: 1. Tarantino Movies (Second words): UNCHAINED (Django Unchained), FICTION (Pulp Fiction), DOGS (Reservoir Dogs), BROWN (Jackie Brown). 2. Grassy areas / Open spaces: GROUNDS, FIELD, LAWN, GREEN. Both categories seem very solid. I will submit the Tarantino movie category first.

The remaining words are FIELD, GREEN, GROUNDS, and LAWN. All four words refer to open, grassy areas or stretches of land typically associated with estates, parks, or sports. - FIELD: A grassy area or meadow. - GREEN: A common area of grass, often in a village or for sports (like a putting green). - GROUNDS: The land surrounding a large building or estate. - LAWN: A mown, managed area of grass. These form the final logical category.

I am analyzing the 16 available words to find connections: 1. **LAP, WATCH, SHOT, BELT**: These can all be associated with a "lap" or "shot" in terms of timing or measurement, but more importantly, LAP, WATCH, BULL (Bulls-eye), and DOG (not here) don't fit well. Let's look at **LAP, OVER, UNDER, melalui (THROUGH)**? No. 2. **COMPLETE, DONE, THROUGH, OVER**: These four synonyms all mean "finished." 3. **SNAIL, SLUG, BULL, EGG**: These can all be preceded by "SHOTT" or "SEA"? (Sea snail, Sea slug, Sea bull - no; Sea egg - yes). Or perhaps shells? Snail, Slug (no shell), Egg, M&M, Hard Taco? (Items with shells). 4. **BULL, SHOT, GULP, SLUG**: Words for a quick drink or a heavy hit? 5. **LAP, BELT, GULP, SLUG**: Words for drinking or swallowing something quickly. 6. **WATCH, BELT, UNDER, LAP**: This doesn't seem to work. Let's re-examine the "Finished" group: **COMPLETE, DONE, OVER, THROUGH**. This seems very strong. Let's also look at the "Hard Shells" group: **SNAIL, EGG, M&M, HARD TACO**. These are all things you eat/encounter that have a shell you might crack or peel. Remaining: **LAP, BULL, BELT, SLUG, WATCH, SHOT, GULP, UNDER**. **BULL, SHOT, SLUG, GULP**? No. **BULL, SHOT, EYE, SEVEN**? (Not here). What about **SHOT, GULP, SLUG, LAP/BELT**? These are synonyms for a "drink" or "swig." Wait, **DOG** is not here, but **BULL, SHOT, UNDER, WATCH**? **WATCHDOG, BULLDOG, UNDERDOG, SHOTDOG** (No). How about **UNDER, BELT, BEYOND, BELOW**? (No). Let's look at **UNDER, BELT, BULL, EYE**? (No). Wait: **BULL, EYE, SNAP, SHOT**? (No **EYE**). Let's try the "Finished" synonyms first as they are the most cohesive.

Now I have 12 words left: LAP, BULL, BELT, SNAIL, SLUG, EGG, M&M, HARD TACO, WATCH, SHOT, UNDER, GULP. I previously noticed a strong group of things with shells: - SNAIL (has a shell) - EGG (has a shell) - M&M (has a candy shell) - HARD TACO (has a shell) Let's look at the remaining 8: LAP, BULL, BELT, SLUG, WATCH, SHOT, UNDER, GULP. I see words related to drinking/swallowing: - BELT (to drink quickly) - SLUG (a swallow of a drink) - GULP (to swallow) - SHOT (a small drink) - LAP (to drink like an animal) This is 5 words. Let's see if there's a different connection for one of them. What about the others? BULL, WATCH, UNDER, LAP? Wait, if I add "DOG": - BULLDOG - WATCHDOG - UNDERDOG - LAPDOG This fits perfectly and leaves exactly 4 words for the "drinking/swallowing" category. Let's re-verify the "Shell" category: SNAIL, EGG, M&M, HARD TACO. Let's re-verify the "___DOG" category: BULL, WATCH, UNDER, LAP. Let's re-verify the "Quick drink/Swallow" category: BELT, SLUG, SHOT, GULP. I will start with the "Shell" category as it feels very distinct.

The remaining words are: LAP, BULL, BELT, SLUG, WATCH, SHOT, UNDER, GULP. As analyzed in my previous step, I have identified two distinct groups: Category 1: ___DOG (Words that precede "dog" to form a common compound word or phrase) - LAP (Lapdog) - BULL (Bulldog) - WATCH (Watchdog) - UNDER (Underdog) Category 2: Words for a quick drink or swallow - BELT - SLUG - SHOT - GULP I will proceed with the "___DOG" group.

I have four words remaining: BELT, GULP, SHOT, and SLUG. As previously identified: - BELT (to drink quickly or a hearty swallow) - GULP (to swallow a large amount) - SHOT (a small drink of spirits) - SLUG (a large swallow of a drink) These are all synonyms for a quick drink or the act of swallowing a drink. I have high confidence as these are the last remaining words.