Connections Answers
Thursday, April 23, 2026
1
BORDER
These words are verbs that mean to be next to, around, or at the edge of something, like sharing a 'border' or boundary.
Individual words:
•FLANK: To be on the side of something, often two things on opposite sides. For example, mountains can flank a valley.
•NEIGHBOR: As a verb, it means to be next to or share a boundary with something else. Like two houses that neighbor each other.
•SKIRT: To go around the edge of something, often to avoid the center or a problem. You might skirt the forest to stay on the path.
•TOUCH: To be in contact with something. It can also mean two things are next to each other, like two states whose borders touch.
2
KINDS OF FICTION
These words are all different types or styles of fictional stories and books.
Individual words:
•HISTORICAL: This refers to 'historical fiction,' stories set in the past. They often include real events or people, but the main plot and characters are made up.
•LITERARY: This refers to 'literary fiction.' These books are valued for their artistic writing, complex characters, and deep themes that make readers think.
•PULP: This refers to 'pulp fiction.' These were inexpensive magazines and books, printed on cheap paper, known for exciting adventure, mystery, or sci-fi stories.
•SCIENCE: This refers to 'science fiction.' These stories are about future technology, space travel, aliens, or scientific discoveries, often exploring 'what if' ideas.
3
WORDS IN A PLANETARY MNEMONIC
These words are the first words in a popular American mnemonic sentence used to remember the order of planets from the sun: 'My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas'. Each word represents a planet (My = Mercury, Very = Venus, Educated = Earth, Mother = Mars).
Individual words:
•EDUCATED: Someone who has learned a lot, usually by going to school or university. Example: An educated person knows many facts.
•MOTHER: The female parent of a child. This is a very common family word. Example: My mother cooks delicious food.
•MY: Used to show that something belongs to 'me' (the speaker). It indicates possession. Example: This is my book.
•VERY: Used to emphasize or make an adjective or adverb stronger. It means 'to a great degree'. Example: The weather is very hot today.
4
STARTING WITH FOUR-LETTER '80S BANDS
Each word begins with the name of a popular four-letter band from the 1980s (e.g., WHAMMY starts with WHAM).
Individual words:
•ASIAGO: Asiago is a type of Italian cheese. It can be mild or sharp. People often grate it on pasta or use it in sandwiches.
•DEVOTE: To devote means to give a lot of your time, effort, or love to something or someone. For example, 'She devotes herself to her studies.'
•TOTORO: Totoro is a beloved magical forest spirit character from a famous Japanese animated movie called 'My Neighbor Totoro.' It's popular globally.
•WHAMMY: A 'whammy' is a stroke of bad luck or an unfortunate event. For example, 'Losing my keys and then missing the bus was a double whammy.'