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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

Green group — FEATURES OF A CATWOMAN COSTUME

Why is “BODYSUIT” in the Green group?

a tight-fitting garment that covers the body

Green group — FEATURES OF A CATWOMAN COSTUME

Why is “WHIP” in the Green group?

a long, thin, flexible piece of material used for punishing or driving animals

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
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
TRAINING
Definition: the act of teaching or learning the skills you need to do a particular job or activity
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a specific type of underwear

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 provoking someone, whether through words or actions, like NEEDLE someone with constant questions or ROAST them with jokes.

Green group: THERMOSTAT SETTINGS

These words are all settings you might find on a thermostat, used to control the temperature and comfort of a room, like AUTO for automatic temperature control or COOL for cooling the air.

Blue group: FEATURES OF A CATWOMAN COSTUME

These words are all features you might find in a Catwoman costume, like a BODYSUIT for a full-body covering or CLAWS for a fierce and intimidating look.

Purple group: TRAINING ___

These words are all related to training or practice, like TRAINING BRA for a type of underwear or TRAINING CAMP for a place to learn new skills.

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.

NEEDLE

Seems like it belongs to: TRAINING ___

Actually belongs to: TEASE

NEEDLE can be a verb meaning to tease or annoy, but it's also a noun that could fit with TRAINING, as in 'training needle' for sewing.

CAMP

Seems like it belongs to: FEATURES OF A CATWOMAN COSTUME

Actually belongs to: TRAINING ___

CAMP can refer to a style or attitude, but in this context, it's more likely related to TRAINING CAMP.

FAN

Seems like it belongs to: TEASE

Actually belongs to: THERMOSTAT SETTINGS

FAN can be a noun or a verb, and while it could fit with TEASE as a verb, in this context, it's more likely related to THERMOSTAT SETTINGS.

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “NEEDLE” didn't go with TRAINING ___

Seems like: TRAINING ___ → Actually: TEASE

NEEDLE can be a verb meaning to tease or annoy, but it's also a noun that could fit with TRAINING, as in 'training needle' for sewing.

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

Seems like: FEATURES OF A CATWOMAN COSTUME → Actually: TRAINING ___

CAMP can refer to a style or attitude, but in this context, it's more likely related to TRAINING CAMP.

Why “FAN” didn't go with TEASE

Seems like: TEASE → Actually: THERMOSTAT SETTINGS

FAN can be a noun or a verb, and while it could fit with TEASE as a verb, in this context, it's more likely related to THERMOSTAT SETTINGS.

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