Blue group — STARTING WITH SYNONYMS FOR "SLUSH"
Why is “GOOGOL” in the Blue group?
a very large number, equal to 1 followed by 100 zeros
Connections Hints for April 5, 2026 #1028
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 5, 2026 #1028
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 2026-04-05. 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 5, 2026
Green Category — April 5, 2026
Blue Category — April 5, 2026
Purple Category — April 5, 2026
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Blue group — STARTING WITH SYNONYMS FOR "SLUSH"
Why is “PASTEURIZE” in the Blue group?
to heat something, especially a liquid, in order to kill bacteria
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (April 5, 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.
- ORBIT
- Definition: the path one object in space takes around another
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to the eye socket
- SHELL
- Definition: a layer of electrons in an atom
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a protective outer layer of an animal or a type of ammunition
- PULPIT
- Definition: a raised platform for a speaker, especially in a church
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a type of soft, wet, or semi-liquid substance
- MUSHROOM
- Definition: a type of fungus
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to something that grows or increases rapidly
Connections #1028 explained
Why these words connect (April 5, 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: ATOMIC STRUCTURE TERMS
These are all terms used to describe the structure of atoms, including the tiny particles that make them up and the paths they follow.
Green group: PARTS OF A SHERLOCK HOLMES COSTUME
These are all items that are commonly associated with the costume of Sherlock Holmes, a famous fictional detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Blue group: THINGS TO FLIP
These are all things that can be flipped or turned over, either physically or metaphorically, including a coin, a light switch, a pancake, and a rude gesture.
Purple group: STARTING WITH SYNONYMS FOR "SLUSH"
These are all words that start with synonyms for 'slush', including a type of fungus, a large number, and a process for killing bacteria.
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.
“PIPE”
Seems like it belongs to: THINGS TO FLIP
Actually belongs to: PARTS OF A SHERLOCK HOLMES COSTUME
while a pipe can be flipped or turned, it is more closely associated with Sherlock Holmes' costume
“COIN”
Seems like it belongs to: PARTS OF A SHERLOCK HOLMES COSTUME
Actually belongs to: THINGS TO FLIP
while a coin might be found in a pocket, it is more closely associated with things that can be flipped
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “PIPE” didn't go with THINGS TO FLIP
Seems like: THINGS TO FLIP → Actually: PARTS OF A SHERLOCK HOLMES COSTUME
while a pipe can be flipped or turned, it is more closely associated with Sherlock Holmes' costume
Why “COIN” didn't go with PARTS OF A SHERLOCK HOLMES COSTUME
Seems like: PARTS OF A SHERLOCK HOLMES COSTUME → Actually: THINGS TO FLIP
while a coin might be found in a pocket, it is more closely associated with things that can be flipped