Answer key | September 4, 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 / WAVE / REEF / KELP
TIDE, WAVE, REEF, and KELP 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.
DRONE / KITE / EAGLE / JET
DRONE, KITE, EAGLE, and JET all fit the category "Things that fly". They spend time in the air. The shared link accounts for all four words, which is why the remaining board words should be tested against a different rule.
SOAP / SIGNAL / MUSIC / CHOCOLATE
SOAP, SIGNAL, MUSIC, and CHOCOLATE all fit the category "Things with bars". Bars can describe each answer. The shared link accounts for all four words, which is why the remaining board words should be tested against a different rule.
CURRENT / RAPIDS / BANK / DELTA
CURRENT, RAPIDS, BANK, and DELTA all fit the category "River words". Fresh water flows through this set. The shared link accounts for all four words, which is why the remaining board words should be tested against a different rule.