Answer key | September 30, 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.
WAVE / TIDE / REEF / KELP
WAVE, TIDE, 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.
GINGER / WASABI / PEPPER / CHILI
GINGER, WASABI, PEPPER, and CHILI all fit the category "Spicy things". They can wake up your taste buds. The shared link accounts for all four words, which is why the remaining board words should be tested against a different rule.
CORTADO / MOCHA / LATTE / AMERICANO
CORTADO, MOCHA, LATTE, and AMERICANO 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.
TRACK / POOL / BOWLING / ROAD
TRACK, POOL, BOWLING, and ROAD all fit the category "Things with lanes". Movement is organized into lanes. The shared link accounts for all four words, which is why the remaining board words should be tested against a different rule.