Issue #1059 Tue 5 May
NYT Connections Hints & Answer — May 5, 2026
A study in precision and instinct, this grid balances two sets of direct definitions against two groups that rely on clever structural wordplay. Watch for terms that could easily migrate between categories.
yellow group 7 hints
Yellow group hints
A faint trace of light or an elusive, barely perceptible quality in the air.
Linguistic nuances
Synonyms
Members are 4–10 letters; first letters F, H, S, W.
GLIMMER
One is FLICKER.
FLICKER · HINT · SUGGESTION · WHIFF
green group 7 hints
Green group hints
A sudden, unbidden reaction from the nervous system that happens without conscious thought.
Physiology
Verb synonyms
Members are 5–6 letters; first letters B, H, S.
INVOLUNTARY ACTIONS
One is BLINK.
BLINK · HICCUP · SHIVER · SNEEZE
blue group 7 hints
Blue group hints
The essential work of a sailor securing a line to a cleat or creating a loop in a rope.
Nautical terminology
Examples of one named set
Members are 4–10 letters; first letters B, H, S.
KINDS OF KNOTS
One is BEND.
BEND · BOWLINE · HITCH · SHEEPSHANK
violet group 7 hints
Violet group hints
The initial syllables of these words are standard measurements used to quantify progress in various contests.
Wordplay group
Each starts with a hidden item
Members are 7–10 letters; first letters G, M, P, S.
STARTING WITH UNITS IN COMPETITIONS
One is GAMELAN.
GAMELAN · MATCHSTICK · POINTER · SETBACK
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
GLIMMERFLICKER · HINT · SUGGESTION · WHIFF
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Reveal the green group
INVOLUNTARY ACTIONSBLINK · HICCUP · SHIVER · SNEEZE
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Reveal the blue group
KINDS OF KNOTSBEND · BOWLINE · HITCH · SHEEPSHANK
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Reveal the violet group
STARTING WITH UNITS IN COMPETITIONSGAMELAN · MATCHSTICK · POINTER · SETBACK
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Connections on May 5, 2026. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Connections answer for May 5, 2026, or browse every Connections puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Connections on May 5, 2026?
NYT Connections on May 5, 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 May 5, 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 #1059?
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