Issue #1040 Thu 16 Apr
NYT Connections Hints & Answer — April 16, 2026
A balanced arrangement of four distinct sets, requiring careful sorting to avoid common pitfalls. The grid offers a blend of literal and figurative associations, demanding a steady hand and a sharp eye for subtle linguistic shifts.
yellow group 7 hints
Yellow group hints
A sharp-tongued remark meant to provoke a reaction from a companion.
Verbal interactions
Verb synonyms
Members are 3–6 letters; first letters N, R.
TEASE
One is NEEDLE.
NEEDLE · RIB · RIDE · ROAST
green group 7 hints
Green group hints
The small digital interface on the wall that dictates the comfort of a room.
Home utility settings
Examples of one named set
Members are 3–4 letters; first letters A, C, F, H.
THERMOSTAT SETTINGS
One is AUTO.
AUTO · COOL · FAN · HEAT
blue group 7 hints
Blue group hints
The iconic silhouette prowling across the rooftops of Gotham City.
Fictional wardrobe elements
Items sharing one feature
Members are 4–8 letters; first letters B, C, M, W.
FEATURES OF A CATWOMAN COSTUME
One is BODYSUIT.
BODYSUIT · CLAWS · MASK · WHIP
violet group 7 hints
Violet group hints
A toddler wobbling on a bicycle while a parent holds the seat.
Common word associations
Each fills the same blank
Members are 3–6 letters; first letters B, C, D, W.
TRAINING ___
One is BRA.
BRA · CAMP · DAY · WHEELS
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
TEASENEEDLE · RIB · RIDE · ROAST
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Reveal the green group
THERMOSTAT SETTINGSAUTO · COOL · FAN · HEAT
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Reveal the blue group
FEATURES OF A CATWOMAN COSTUMEBODYSUIT · CLAWS · MASK · WHIP
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Reveal the violet group
TRAINING ___BRA · CAMP · DAY · WHEELS
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Connections on April 16, 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 16, 2026, or browse every Connections puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Connections on April 16, 2026?
NYT Connections on April 16, 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 16, 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 #1040?
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
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 4 groups · 16 words
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 4 groups · 16 words