# How to Spot Double-Meaning Words One of the most challenging aspects of NYT Connections is dealing with words that have multiple meanings. These polysemous words are often used to create misdirection and can lead solvers down the wrong path. ## What Are Double-Meaning Words? Double-meaning words (or polysemous words) are terms that have multiple distinct meanings. In Connections, these words can belong to different categories depending on which meaning you focus on. ### Common Examples Here are some frequently used double-meaning words in Connections: - **BAND** - Could refer to a music group OR a strip of material - **ROCK** - Could be a stone OR a music genre - **CLUB** - Could be a social organization OR a golf equipment - **FIRE** - Could be flames OR to dismiss someone from a job ## Strategies for Identification ### 1. Think of All Possible Meanings When you encounter a word, immediately brainstorm all the different meanings it could have: > Example: **STRIKE** > - Baseball term (striking out) > - Labor action (workers on strike) > - Bowling term (knocking down pins) > - Military action (air strike) ### 2. Look for Context Clues Sometimes other words in the puzzle can give you hints about which meaning to focus on: - If you see **SPARE** and **STRIKE**, think bowling - If you see **UNION** and **STRIKE**, think labor relations ### 3. Consider the Most Obvious vs. Hidden Meanings The puzzle makers often use the less obvious meaning for the correct grouping: - **TURKEY** - You might think of the bird, but it could be referring to the bowling term - **SPLIT** - You might think of dividing something, but it could be another bowling term ## Final Tips - Don't get stuck on the first meaning that comes to mind - If a word seems like it doesn't fit anywhere obvious, consider alternative meanings - Sometimes the most obscure meaning is the correct one for the puzzle - Practice with word association games to expand your vocabulary awareness Remember: The key to mastering Connections is training your brain to think flexibly about word meanings. The more you practice identifying multiple meanings, the better you'll become at solving these tricky puzzles! ## Read Next

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