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Connections Hints for April 3, 2026 #1026

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for April 3, 2026 #1026

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Navigation tip: Use the arrows below to browse through past puzzles. Each puzzle is organized from easiest (yellow) to hardest (purple) categories.

Yellow Category — April 3, 2026

Green Category — April 3, 2026

Blue Category — April 3, 2026

Purple Category — April 3, 2026

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Blue group — COCKTAIL GLASSES

Why is “ZOMBIE” in the Blue group?

a type of cocktail made with various spirits and fruit juices

Blue group — COCKTAIL GLASSES

Why is “HURRICANE” in the Blue group?

a type of cocktail made with rum and fruit juices

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (April 3, 2026)

Several words in today's puzzle have multiple meanings or obscure definitions that can throw you off. Here's what each one means in the context of this Connections grid.

MEAN
Definition: cruel or unkind
Why it's tricky: can also refer to average or midpoint
LONG
Definition: yearning or desire
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a length of time or distance
SMALL
Definition: petty or insignificant
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a physical size
ROCKS
Definition: a type of cocktail glass
Why it's tricky: can also refer to stones or pebbles

Connections #1026 explained

Why these words connect (April 3, 2026)

Understanding the logic behind each group helps you spot similar patterns in future puzzles. Here's the reasoning for every category in today's Connections.

Yellow group: CATTY

These words are all related to being mean or petty, often used to describe someone's behavior or attitude

Green group: HANKER (FOR)

These words are all related to having a strong desire or craving for something, often used to describe a yearning or longing

Blue group: COCKTAIL GLASSES

These words are all related to types of glasses used for serving cocktails, often used to describe a specific type of drink

Purple group: ___ CONTROL

These words are all related to types of control or command, often used to describe a system or process

Red herrings and trap words explained

These words were designed to mislead you. Understanding why they don't belong where you first think sharpens your game for tomorrow.

JONES

Seems like it belongs to: CATTY

Actually belongs to: HANKER (FOR)

Jones can refer to a surname, but in this context, it's related to having a strong desire or craving

GROUND

Seems like it belongs to: COCKTAIL GLASSES

Actually belongs to: ___ CONTROL

Ground can refer to a surface or a type of coffee, but in this context, it's related to control or command

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.

Why “JONES” didn't go with CATTY

Seems like: CATTY → Actually: HANKER (FOR)

Jones can refer to a surname, but in this context, it's related to having a strong desire or craving

Why “GROUND” didn't go with COCKTAIL GLASSES

Seems like: COCKTAIL GLASSES → Actually: ___ CONTROL

Ground can refer to a surface or a type of coffee, but in this context, it's related to control or command

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