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Connections Hints for April 16, 2026 #1039

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 16, 2026 #1039

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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 16, 2026

Green Category — April 16, 2026

Blue Category — April 16, 2026

Purple Category — April 16, 2026

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Purple group — FEATURES OF A CATWOMAN COSTUME

Why is “BODYSUIT” in the Purple group?

a tight-fitting garment covering the torso

Purple group — FEATURES OF A CATWOMAN COSTUME

Why is “WHIP” in the Purple group?

a flexible rod with a lash at the end

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (April 16, 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.

RIDE
Definition: a journey on a vehicle or animal
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a carnival attraction
NEEDLE
Definition: a sewing tool
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a medical instrument
FAN
Definition: a device for creating a current of air
Why it's tricky: can also refer to an enthusiastic supporter
MASK
Definition: a covering for the face
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a disguise or concealment

Connections #1039 explained

Why these words connect (April 16, 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: TEASE

These words are all related to teasing or poking fun, including NEEDLE, which can be used to tease or annoy someone, and ROAST, which is a form of comedic teasing.

Green group: THERMOSTAT SETTINGS

These words are all related to thermostat settings, including AUTO, COOL, and HEAT, which are common settings on a thermostat.

Blue group: FEATURES OF A CATWOMAN COSTUME

These words are all features of a Catwoman costume, including a BODYSUIT, CLAWS, and a MASK, which are all iconic parts of the character's outfit.

Purple group: TRAINING ___

These words are all related to training or exercise, including TRAINING CAMP, TRAINING WHEELS, and TRAINING BRA, which are all common phrases in the context of physical training.

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.

CAMP

Seems like it belongs to: THERMOSTAT SETTINGS

Actually belongs to: TRAINING ___

CAMP can refer to a summer camp or a military camp, but in this context, it's related to training camp.

FAN

Seems like it belongs to: FEATURES OF A CATWOMAN COSTUME

Actually belongs to: THERMOSTAT SETTINGS

FAN can refer to an enthusiastic supporter, but in this context, it's related to a device for creating a current of air.

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “CAMP” didn't go with THERMOSTAT SETTINGS

Seems like: THERMOSTAT SETTINGS → Actually: TRAINING ___

CAMP can refer to a summer camp or a military camp, but in this context, it's related to training camp.

Why “FAN” didn't go with FEATURES OF A CATWOMAN COSTUME

Seems like: FEATURES OF A CATWOMAN COSTUME → Actually: THERMOSTAT SETTINGS

FAN can refer to an enthusiastic supporter, but in this context, it's related to a device for creating a current of air.

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