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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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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

Green group — COCKTAIL GLASSES

Why is “ZOMBIE” in the Green group?

a type of cocktail made with various types of rum and fruit juices

Green group — COCKTAIL GLASSES

Why is “HURRICANE” in the Green group?

a type of cocktail made with rum, passionfruit juice, and grenadine

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: intending to convey a certain attitude or feeling
Why it's tricky: can also refer to unkind or unpleasant
LONG
Definition: having a strong desire or craving
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a duration of time or physical length
SMALL
Definition: of little importance or significance
Why it's tricky: can also refer to 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 all describe someone or something as being unkind, unpleasant, or of little importance. They are all related to the idea of being 'catty' or having a negative attitude.

Green group: HANKER (FOR)

These words all relate to having a strong desire or craving for something. They are all synonyms for the phrase 'to hanker for' or 'to have a longing for'.

Blue group: COCKTAIL GLASSES

These words all refer to different types of glasses used to serve cocktails. They are all related to the world of mixology and bartending.

Purple group: ___ CONTROL

These words all refer to different types of control or regulation. They are all related to the idea of managing or regulating something.

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.

LONG

Seems like it belongs to: CATTY

Actually belongs to: HANKER (FOR)

Although 'long' can describe a physical attribute, in this context it refers to a strong desire or craving.

SMALL

Seems like it belongs to: COCKTAIL GLASSES

Actually belongs to: CATTY

Although 'small' can describe a physical attribute, in this context it refers to something of little importance or significance.

ROCKS

Seems like it belongs to: ___ CONTROL

Actually belongs to: COCKTAIL GLASSES

Although 'rocks' can refer to stones or pebbles, in this context it refers to a type of cocktail glass.

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “LONG” didn't go with CATTY

Seems like: CATTY → Actually: HANKER (FOR)

Although 'long' can describe a physical attribute, in this context it refers to a strong desire or craving.

Why “SMALL” didn't go with COCKTAIL GLASSES

Seems like: COCKTAIL GLASSES → Actually: CATTY

Although 'small' can describe a physical attribute, in this context it refers to something of little importance or significance.

Why “ROCKS” didn't go with ___ CONTROL

Seems like: ___ CONTROL → Actually: COCKTAIL GLASSES

Although 'rocks' can refer to stones or pebbles, in this context it refers to a type of cocktail glass.

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