Answer key | September 24, 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.
MOCHA / CORTADO / AMERICANO / LATTE
MOCHA, CORTADO, AMERICANO, and LATTE all fit the category "Coffee shop orders". You can hear these at a counter before 9 a.m. The shared link accounts for all four words, which is why the remaining board words should be tested against a different rule.
ENCORE / CURTAIN / SCENE / PROP
ENCORE, CURTAIN, SCENE, and PROP all fit the category "Stage terms". A theater audience might notice them. The shared link accounts for all four words, which is why the remaining board words should be tested against a different rule.
BYTE / SEED / PIXEL / ATOM
BYTE, SEED, PIXEL, and ATOM all fit the category "Tiny units". Smallness connects them. The shared link accounts for all four words, which is why the remaining board words should be tested against a different rule.
SEAR / FOLD / WHISK / DICE
SEAR, FOLD, WHISK, and DICE all fit the category "Kitchen verbs". These are actions from a recipe. The shared link accounts for all four words, which is why the remaining board words should be tested against a different rule.