Issue #1053 Wed 29 Apr
NYT Connections Hints & Answer — April 29, 2026
This puzzle features four distinct groups, each requiring a different approach to resolve. Keep an eye out for potential overlaps, as some terms may seem to fit in more than one category at first glance.
yellow group 7 hints
Yellow group hints
Moving through the sequential parts of a lengthy project.
Project management terminology
Synonyms
Members are 5 letters each; first letters L, P, R, S.
STEP IN A PROCESS
One is LEVEL.
LEVEL · PHASE · ROUND · STAGE
green group 7 hints
Green group hints
The low-frequency vibration felt in the chest during a storm.
Auditory perception
Onomatopoeic synonyms
Members are 4–6 letters; first letters B, C, R.
SOUND LIKE THUNDER
One is BOOM.
BOOM · CLAP · ROLL · RUMBLE
blue group 7 hints
Blue group hints
A performance given behind a backlit screen or using one's fingers.
Performing arts
Examples of one named set
Members are 4–6 letters; first letters H, S.
KINDS OF PUPPETS
One is HAND.
HAND · SHADOW · SOCK · STRING
violet group 7 hints
Violet group hints
A phrase that precedes words like ovation or room.
Linguistic patterns
Each fills the same blank
Members are 4–7 letters; first letters J, O, R.
STANDING ___
One is JOKE.
JOKE · ORDERS · OVATION · ROOM
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
STEP IN A PROCESSLEVEL · PHASE · ROUND · STAGE
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Reveal the green group
SOUND LIKE THUNDERBOOM · CLAP · ROLL · RUMBLE
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Reveal the blue group
KINDS OF PUPPETSHAND · SHADOW · SOCK · STRING
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Reveal the violet group
STANDING ___JOKE · ORDERS · OVATION · ROOM
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Connections on April 29, 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 29, 2026, or browse every Connections puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Connections on April 29, 2026?
NYT Connections on April 29, 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 29, 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 #1053?
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