Connections Answers
Monday, April 20, 2026
1
MASS OF SMOKE
These words all describe different shapes or movements of smoke, showing how smoke can appear or behave.
Individual words:
•BILLOW: When smoke 'billows', it swells out and moves in large, rolling masses, often seen from a big fire or chimney.
•CLOUD: A 'cloud' is a large, visible mass. Beyond water in the sky, it describes a large amount of smoke, like from an explosion.
•PLUME: A 'plume' is a long, narrow, often column-shaped mass of smoke rising into the air, for example, from a smokestack.
•PUFF: A 'puff' is a small, quick burst or cloud of smoke, like the smoke from a cigarette or a small firework.
2
FISHING GEAR
These are all essential items or tools used when you go fishing. They are part of what we call 'fishing gear'.
Individual words:
•BAIT: Food or other attractant, like a worm, put on a hook to make fish want to bite it. It's used to lure fish.
•HOOK: A sharp, curved piece of metal attached to a fishing line. It catches the fish's mouth when it bites the bait.
•NET: A tool made of mesh fabric, often with a handle. Fishermen use a net to scoop fish out of the water once caught.
•ROD: A long, flexible stick or pole, usually fiberglass or graphite, used for fishing. You hold the rod and cast your line.
3
ASSOCIATED WITH BLACK WIDOW SPIDERS
These words describe key characteristics and dangers associated with the black widow spider, known for its distinct mark, potent poison, and unique mating habit.
Individual words:
•CANNIBALISM: When an animal eats another animal of its own kind. Female black widow spiders are known for sometimes eating the male after mating.
•HOURGLASS: A shape like two triangles connected at their points. Female black widow spiders have a red hourglass shape on their body, a famous warning sign.
•VENOM: A poisonous liquid that some animals, like spiders or snakes, can inject into others through a bite or sting. Black widow venom is dangerous.
•WEB: A network of sticky threads made by a spider to catch insects for food or to live in. Black widow spiders build webs.
4
___ MONDAY
These words combine with 'Monday' to create common phrases or specific days in American culture.
Individual words:
•BLUE: When used with Monday, 'blue' means sad or gloomy. 'Blue Monday' is a specific day, often in January, believed to be the most depressing day of the year.
•CYBER: 'Cyber' means related to computers and the internet. 'Cyber Monday' is a big online shopping day after Thanksgiving, known for sales.
•MANIC: 'Manic' means very excited, active, or chaotic. 'Manic Monday' describes a very busy and stressful start to the work week.
•MEATLESS: 'Meatless' means without meat. 'Meatless Monday' is a global movement encouraging people not to eat meat on Mondays for health and environmental reasons.