Issue #1039 Wed 15 Apr
NYT Connections Hints & Answer — April 15, 2026
Four groups of four words; one group relates to academic rites of passage, another to tiresome tasks, a third to simplistic thinking, and the fourth to chess figures.
yellow group 7 hints
Yellow group hints
The proud moment of receiving a scroll after years of study, adorned in ceremonial robes.
Academic or ceremonial attire and accoutrements
Words share a common suffix.
Members are 3–7 letters; first letters C, D, G, T.
GRADUATION GEAR
One is CAP.
CAP · DIPLOMA · GOWN · TASSEL
green group 7 hints
Green group hints
A never-ending cycle of household duties or difficult work.
Unpleasant or difficult tasks
Words are synonyms for burdensome tasks.
Members are 5–6 letters; first letters C, G, H, T.
TEDIOUS UNDERTAKING
One is CHORE.
CHORE · GRIND · HASSLE · TRIAL
blue group 7 hints
Blue group hints
Offering a quick, surface-level take on a complex issue, lacking depth.
Superficial or simplistic qualities
Words are synonyms for shallow or simplistic.
Members are 4–7 letters; first letters F, S, T.
OVERSIMPLISTIC
One is FACILE.
FACILE · FLIP · SHALLOW · TRITE
violet group 7 hints
Violet group hints
The regal figures on a checkered board, each with a distinct silhouette.
Chess piece shapes or representations
Words are names for chess pieces or related royal items.
Members are 5–6 letters; first letters C, H, M.
SHAPES OF CHESS PIECES
One is CASTLE.
CASTLE · CROWN · HORSE · MITER
Spoiler zone
Complete Connections answer
Open only the solution you want to see. Each answer stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
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Reveal the yellow group
GRADUATION GEARCAP · DIPLOMA · GOWN · TASSEL
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Reveal the green group
TEDIOUS UNDERTAKINGCHORE · GRIND · HASSLE · TRIAL
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Reveal the blue group
OVERSIMPLISTICFACILE · FLIP · SHALLOW · TRITE
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Reveal the violet group
SHAPES OF CHESS PIECESCASTLE · CROWN · HORSE · MITER
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Connections on April 15, 2026. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Connections answer for April 15, 2026, or browse every Connections puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Connections on April 15, 2026?
NYT Connections on April 15, 2026 rates 3 out of 4 on our difficulty scale — a tougher-than-average puzzle. As always you sort sixteen words into four colour-coded groups, and our hints tease what links each group without ever naming the words.
What's a spoiler-free hint for NYT Connections on April 15, 2026?
The hint ladder above starts with a one-line vibe for each of the four groups, then adds the connecting idea, then the wording of each category. You climb only as far as you need, and no grouped words are shown until the final reveal.
How many groups are in NYT Connections #1039?
Four groups of four, ordered from the gentlest to the trickiest. For the categories and the sixteen words themselves, open the answer section on this page — the hints here keep them hidden.
Today
- Difficulty
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- At a glance
- 4 groups · 16 words
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Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 4 groups · 16 words