Issue #1112 Thu 9 Apr
Connections hints — April 9, 2026
A balanced grid with straightforward synonym sets and a challenging phonetic twist in the final category. Some terms for physical fitness may overlap with medicinal applications.
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Yellow group
A heavy sigh on a rainy afternoon when one's spirits are particularly dampened.
Expressions of melancholy
Synonyms for a somber state of mind
Members are 3–4 letters; first letters B, D, L.
GLOOMY
One is BLUE.
BLUE · DARK · DOWN · LOW
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Green group
Applying a soothing substance to a minor burn or a sore muscle to find quick relief.
Topical skincare and medicine
Synonyms for thick medicinal substances
Members are 3–5 letters; first letters B, C, P, R.
OINTMENT
One is BALM.
BALM · CREAM · PASTE · RUB
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Blue group
Consulting a birth chart to see which celestial animal or figure governs one's personality.
Astrological iconography
Shorthand names for celestial signs
Members are 3–6 letters; first letters A, F, G, R.
ZODIAC SYMBOLS
One is ARCHER.
ARCHER · FISH · GOAT · RAM
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Violet group
A person standing on a stage with highly defined muscles after months of rigorous training.
Wordplay and physical fitness
Words that form fitness adjectives when a specific phonetic suffix is added
Members are 3–5 letters; first letters J, R, S, Y.
MUSCULAR, MINUS "ED" SOUND
One is JACK.
JACK · RIP · SHRED · YOKE