In this puzzle, solvers often get stuck when trying to categorize words that have multiple meanings or when they encounter groups that could fit into more than one category. For example, the word "REPORT" can refer to both a news announcement and a document that describes findings, which may confuse players who are trying to sort it into the correct group. Similarly, the word "DEPARTED" can imply both a physical leaving and a more abstract sense of being progressive or liberal, making it a tricky candidate for classification under the purple category. These ambiguities can lead to misgrouping and frustration, especially if players are not considering the broader context of each category's theme.

To effectively distinguish real groups from plausible decoys, players should focus on the specific definitions and contexts of each word. For instance, the nouns from the Declaration of Independence are all related to foundational concepts of American democracy, which can help players connect "HAPPINESS," "LIBERTY," "LIFE," and "PURSUIT" more easily than they might connect other words. Players should also look for thematic consistency within each category; if a word seems to fit a group but feels out of place thematically, it’s worth re-evaluating. In this puzzle, recognizing that "ENTOURAGE" and "EUPHORIA" are both modern HBO shows can help in quickly eliminating other unrelated options, while also reinforcing the unique characteristics of the respective categories.

A useful heuristic for future puzzles is to consider the context and common associations of each word before making a decision. If a word can fit into multiple categories, think about the category that aligns best with the word's most widely recognized use. Additionally, players should always be on the lookout for words that share a common theme or characteristic, as this is often a strong indicator of the correct grouping. By applying these strategies and heuristics, solvers can improve their accuracy in categorizing words and navigate tricky puzzles more effectively.