Issue #1142 Mon 4 May
Connections hints — May 4, 2026
Navigate a grid of disparate items where shared physical traits and linguistic origins provide the path forward. Careful observation reveals four distinct themes, though some associations may initially prove elusive.
yellow group 7 nudges
Yellow group
A person who shows unusual warmth and kindness to those around them.
Personality traits
Synonyms
Members are 6–11 letters; first letters M, S, T.
TENDER-HEARTED PERSON
One is MARSHMALLOW.
MARSHMALLOW · SOFTIE · SWEETHEART · TEDDY BEAR
green group 7 nudges
Green group
Small, weighted objects that provide comfort, utility, or a challenge in a game.
Household and leisure items
Items sharing one feature
Members are 10–16 letters; first letters B, D, E, H.
PELLET-FILLED THINGS
One is BEANIE BABY.
BEANIE BABY · DESICCANT PACKET · EYE PILLOW · HACKY SACK
blue group 7 nudges
Blue group
Physical interfaces meant to be turned or adjusted by hand.
Mechanical interfaces
Items sharing one feature
Members are 5–13 letters; first letters C, E, R, S.
THINGS WITH KNOBS
One is CONTROL PANEL.
CONTROL PANEL · ETCH A SKETCH · RADIO · STOVE
violet group 7 nudges
Violet group
The first few letters of these words correspond to common breeds or types of canines.
Wordplay
Each starts with a hidden item
Members are 6–13 letters; first letters C, D, L, P.
STARTING WITH FAMILIAR NAMES FOR KINDS OF DOGS
One is CHOWDER.
CHOWDER · DOODLEBUG · LABUBU · PITTER-PATTER