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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

Want to see NYT Connections hints? Below you'll find complete solutions and explanations. Want to try solving it yourself first? Visit the NYT Connections game 2026-04-03. Looking for today's NYT Connections hint? Head to our home page or play today's connection game here.

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 types of rum and fruit juices

Blue group — COCKTAIL GLASSES

Why is “HURRICANE” in the Blue 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 a limited size or amount
Why it's tricky: can also refer to something insignificant or unimportant
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 petty, mean, or insignificant, often in a social or interpersonal context.

Green group: HANKER (FOR)

These words all describe a strong desire or craving, often used in phrases like 'hanker for' or 'have a longing for'.

Blue group: COCKTAIL GLASSES

These words all describe types of glasses used for serving cocktails, often named after the drinks they are typically used for.

Purple group: ___ CONTROL

These words all describe types of control or regulation, often used in phrases like 'cruise control' or 'damage control'.

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 something as extended or prolonged, 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 something as miniature or compact, in this context it refers to something petty or insignificant.

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 something as extended or prolonged, 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 something as miniature or compact, in this context it refers to something petty or insignificant.

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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