Issue #1044 Mon 20 Apr
NYT Connections Hints & Answer — April 20, 2026
A blend of literal descriptors and linguistic patterns awaits. With four distinct groupings to sort, expect a few potential overlaps that invite careful consideration of each word's primary definition.
yellow group 7 hints
Yellow group hints
Watching a chimney release a steady, rising column into the crisp morning air.
Atmospheric phenomena
Synonyms
Members are 4–6 letters; first letters B, C, P.
MASS OF SMOKE
One is BILLOW.
BILLOW · CLOUD · PLUME · PUFF
green group 7 hints
Green group hints
A quiet morning by the lake, preparing the equipment for a day on the water.
Recreational equipment
Items sharing one feature
Members are 3–4 letters; first letters B, H, N, R.
FISHING GEAR
One is BAIT.
BAIT · HOOK · NET · ROD
blue group 7 hints
Blue group hints
Observing the intricate, dangerous life cycle and physical markings of a notable arachnid.
Entomological characteristics
Items sharing one feature
Members are 3–11 letters; first letters C, H, V, W.
ASSOCIATED WITH BLACK WIDOW SPIDERS
One is CANNIBALISM.
CANNIBALISM · HOURGLASS · VENOM · WEB
violet group 7 hints
Violet group hints
The start of a work week, often marked by specific cultural or commercial designations.
Linguistic phrases
Each fills the same blank
Members are 4–8 letters; first letters B, C, M.
___ MONDAY
One is BLUE.
BLUE · CYBER · MANIC · MEATLESS
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
MASS OF SMOKEBILLOW · CLOUD · PLUME · PUFF
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Reveal the green group
FISHING GEARBAIT · HOOK · NET · ROD
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Reveal the blue group
ASSOCIATED WITH BLACK WIDOW SPIDERSCANNIBALISM · HOURGLASS · VENOM · WEB
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Reveal the violet group
___ MONDAYBLUE · CYBER · MANIC · MEATLESS
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Connections on April 20, 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 20, 2026, or browse every Connections puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Connections on April 20, 2026?
NYT Connections on April 20, 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 20, 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 #1044?
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