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Connections Hints for April 9, 2026 #1032

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 9, 2026 #1032

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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 9, 2026

Green Category — April 9, 2026

Blue Category — April 9, 2026

Purple Category — April 9, 2026

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Green group — MUSCULAR, MINUS "ED" SOUND

Why is “YOKE” in the Green group?

a wooden beam or frame, typically with a U-shaped cross-section, used for controlling or carrying heavy loads

Blue group — ZODIAC SYMBOLS

Why is “ARCHER” in the Blue group?

a person who shoots with a bow and arrow, also a zodiac symbol representing Sagittarius

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (April 9, 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.

RIP
Definition: to tear violently
Why it's tricky: can also mean 'to die' or 'a long, loud, crying sound'
LOW
Definition: not high or great in amount or degree
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a musical note or a cattle sound
YOKE
Definition: a wooden beam or frame, typically with a U-shaped cross-section
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a device for controlling an animal's movement
JACK
Definition: a device for lifting heavy objects
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a playing card or a male given name

Connections #1032 explained

Why these words connect (April 9, 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: GLOOMY

These words are all associated with negative emotions or a lack of light, creating a somber atmosphere.

Green group: OINTMENT

These words are all types of substances or actions used to apply or create ointments, often for medicinal or cosmetic purposes.

Blue group: ZODIAC SYMBOLS

These words are all symbols or representations of constellations in the zodiac, used to identify and characterize different periods of the year.

Purple group: MUSCULAR, MINUS "ED" SOUND

These words are all associated with muscle or physical activity, often implying a sense of power or exertion.

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.

RIP

Seems like it belongs to: GLOOMY

Actually belongs to: MUSCULAR, MINUS "ED" SOUND

RIP seems like it belongs to GLOOMY due to its association with death, but it actually belongs to MUSCULAR, MINUS "ED" SOUND due to its meaning 'to tear violently'

LOW

Seems like it belongs to: MUSCULAR, MINUS "ED" SOUND

Actually belongs to: GLOOMY

LOW seems like it belongs to MUSCULAR, MINUS "ED" SOUND due to its association with physical strength, but it actually belongs to GLOOMY due to its meaning 'not high or great in amount or degree'

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “RIP” didn't go with GLOOMY

Seems like: GLOOMY → Actually: MUSCULAR, MINUS "ED" SOUND

RIP seems like it belongs to GLOOMY due to its association with death, but it actually belongs to MUSCULAR, MINUS "ED" SOUND due to its meaning 'to tear violently'

Why “LOW” didn't go with MUSCULAR, MINUS "ED" SOUND

Seems like: MUSCULAR, MINUS "ED" SOUND → Actually: GLOOMY

LOW seems like it belongs to MUSCULAR, MINUS "ED" SOUND due to its association with physical strength, but it actually belongs to GLOOMY due to its meaning 'not high or great in amount or degree'

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