Answer key | August 19, 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.
TIDE / KELP / WAVE / REEF
TIDE, KELP, WAVE, and REEF all fit the category "Ocean words". They belong near salt water. The shared link accounts for all four words, which is why the remaining board words should be tested against a different rule.
NEBULA / METEOR / VENUS / ORION
NEBULA, METEOR, VENUS, and ORION 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.
ARROW / FALCON / COMET / SPRINTER
ARROW, FALCON, COMET, and SPRINTER all fit the category "Fast things". Speed is the common thread. The shared link accounts for all four words, which is why the remaining board words should be tested against a different rule.
TILE / PAWN / TOKEN / DIE
TILE, PAWN, TOKEN, and DIE 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.