Answer key | July 8, 2026
The full solution is below, with a short explanation for each group. To avoid spoilers, play the puzzle or open the hints page before reading the answer panels.
WATCH / KING / TOOTH / TREE
WATCH, KING, TOOTH, and TREE all fit the category "Things with crowns". A crown can sit on each of these. The shared link accounts for all four words, which is why the remaining board words should be tested against a different rule.
RAKE / SPADE / TROWEL / HOSE
RAKE, SPADE, TROWEL, and HOSE all fit the category "Garden tools". These live in a shed. The shared link accounts for all four words, which is why the remaining board words should be tested against a different rule.
VENUS / ORION / NEBULA / METEOR
VENUS, ORION, NEBULA, and METEOR all fit the category "Night sky". Look up after sunset. The shared link accounts for all four words, which is why the remaining board words should be tested against a different rule.
TOKEN / TILE / DIE / PAWN
TOKEN, TILE, DIE, and PAWN all fit the category "Board game pieces". You might move or roll these on a tabletop. The shared link accounts for all four words, which is why the remaining board words should be tested against a different rule.