Blue group — SHAPES OF CHESS PIECES
Why is “MITER” in the Blue group?
a type of joint or a bishop's hat, also a shape of a chess piece
Connections Hints for April 15, 2026 #1038
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 15, 2026 #1038
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 2026-04-15. 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 15, 2026
Green Category — April 15, 2026
Blue Category — April 15, 2026
Purple Category — April 15, 2026
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Yellow group — GRADUATION GEAR
Why is “TASSEL” in the Yellow group?
a decorative element, often used on academic regalia
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (April 15, 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.
- CASTLE
- Definition: a chess piece shape
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a building or a title
- CROWN
- Definition: a chess piece shape
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a royal headpiece or a dental term
- MITER
- Definition: a chess piece shape
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a type of joint or a bishop's hat
- GRIND
- Definition: a tedious task
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a type of dance or a coffee-making process
Connections #1038 explained
Why these words connect (April 15, 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: GRADUATION GEAR
These are all items commonly associated with academic graduation ceremonies, including the cap and gown worn by graduates and the diploma they receive.
Green group: TEDIOUS UNDERTAKING
These are all words that describe tasks or activities that are tedious, time-consuming, or frustrating, such as doing chores or going through a trial.
Blue group: OVERSIMPLISTIC
These are all words that describe something as overly simplistic, lacking depth or substance, such as a facile solution or a shallow understanding.
Purple group: SHAPES OF CHESS PIECES
These are all words that describe the shapes or forms of pieces in the game of chess, including the castle, crown, horse, and miter.
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.
“CROWN”
Seems like it belongs to: GRADUATION GEAR
Actually belongs to: SHAPES OF CHESS PIECES
while a crown can be a decorative element, in this context it refers to a chess piece shape
“TRIAL”
Seems like it belongs to: SHAPES OF CHESS PIECES
Actually belongs to: TEDIOUS UNDERTAKING
while a trial can be a challenging situation, in this context it refers to a tedious task
“FLIP”
Seems like it belongs to: TEDIOUS UNDERTAKING
Actually belongs to: OVERSIMPLISTIC
while a flip can be a tedious task, in this context it refers to a simplistic or careless attitude
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “CROWN” didn't go with GRADUATION GEAR
Seems like: GRADUATION GEAR → Actually: SHAPES OF CHESS PIECES
while a crown can be a decorative element, in this context it refers to a chess piece shape
Why “TRIAL” didn't go with SHAPES OF CHESS PIECES
Seems like: SHAPES OF CHESS PIECES → Actually: TEDIOUS UNDERTAKING
while a trial can be a challenging situation, in this context it refers to a tedious task
Why “FLIP” didn't go with TEDIOUS UNDERTAKING
Seems like: TEDIOUS UNDERTAKING → Actually: OVERSIMPLISTIC
while a flip can be a tedious task, in this context it refers to a simplistic or careless attitude