Issue #1041 Fri 17 Apr
NYT Connections Hints & Answer — April 17, 2026
A balanced arrangement of four distinct sets, each anchored by a specific thematic logic. While the individual groups are straightforward, look closely for potential overlaps that may require a second glance.
yellow group 7 hints
Yellow group hints
Observing the anatomical structure of a garden specimen as it emerges from the soil.
Botanical biology
Items sharing one feature
Members are 4 letters each; first letters B, L, R, S.
VEGETABLE PARTS
One is BULB.
BULB · LEAF · ROOT · STEM
green group 7 hints
Green group hints
A sentiment or trend that holds sway over the majority of a population.
Linguistic descriptors
Synonyms
Members are 6–8 letters; first letters C, D, G, P.
PREVAILING
One is COMMON.
COMMON · DOMINANT · GENERAL · POPULAR
blue group 7 hints
Blue group hints
The internal mechanisms that respond to a musician's touch on the keys.
Musical instrument construction
Items sharing one feature
Members are 3–6 letters; first letters H, K, P, S.
PARTS OF A PIANO
One is HAMMER.
HAMMER · KEY · PEDAL · STRING
violet group 7 hints
Violet group hints
Completing the name of a classic mixed refreshment order at a bar.
Beverage nomenclature
Each fills the same blank
Members are 3–6 letters; first letters S, T.
SECOND HALVES OF DRINK NAMES
One is SODA.
SODA · STORMY · TAN · TONIC
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
VEGETABLE PARTSBULB · LEAF · ROOT · STEM
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Reveal the green group
PREVAILINGCOMMON · DOMINANT · GENERAL · POPULAR
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Reveal the blue group
PARTS OF A PIANOHAMMER · KEY · PEDAL · STRING
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Reveal the violet group
SECOND HALVES OF DRINK NAMESSODA · STORMY · TAN · TONIC
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Connections on April 17, 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 17, 2026, or browse every Connections puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Connections on April 17, 2026?
NYT Connections on April 17, 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 17, 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 #1041?
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