What is the NYT Connections answer for August 17, 2023?

The NYT Connections answer for August 17, 2023 includes 4 groups: DESSERTS, OCCUPATIONAL SURNAMES, ALTER DECEPTIVELY, SQUARE ___.

How do I play NYT Connections?

NYT Connections presents 16 words that you must group into 4 categories of 4 words each. Find the common thread between words to solve each group.

A new NYT Connections puzzle is released daily at midnight Eastern Time.

August 17, 2023

FUDGE

MEAL

COBBLER

SMITH

PIE

DOCTOR

ROOT

TWIST

DANCE

ONE

FISHER

TART

MASON

CAKE

DISTORT

MILLER

DESSERTS

CAKE, COBBLER, PIE, TART

OCCUPATIONAL SURNAMES

FISHER, MASON, MILLER, SMITH

ALTER DECEPTIVELY

DISTORT, DOCTOR, FUDGE, TWIST

SQUARE ___

DANCE, MEAL, ONE, ROOT