Enjoying our puzzle hints?

Support independent coverage of NYT games and keep the hints flowing.

Buy me a coffee

Connections Hints for April 18, 2026 #1041

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 18, 2026 #1041

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 2026-04-18. 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 18, 2026

Green Category — April 18, 2026

Blue Category — April 18, 2026

Purple Category — April 18, 2026

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Green group — STARTING WITH SODA BRANDS

Why is “FANTAGRAPHICS” in the Green group?

A publisher of fantasy and graphic novels, known for works like 'Love and Rockets'

Green group — STARTING WITH SODA BRANDS

Why is “PEPSINOGEN” in the Green group?

A precursor to pepsin, an enzyme in the stomach that breaks down proteins

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (April 18, 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.

CRUSHWORTHY
Definition: Deserving of a crush, as in having a crush on someone
Why it's tricky: The word seems related to 'crush' as in 'crush soda', but it's actually about being worthy of a crush
FANTAGRAPHICS
Definition: A publisher of fantasy and graphic novels
Why it's tricky: The word seems related to 'fantasy' as in imagination, but it's actually a publisher
FRESCADE
Definition: A brand of soda, Fresca
Why it's tricky: The word seems like a made-up or obscure term, but it's actually a brand of soda
PEPSINOGEN
Definition: A precursor to pepsin, an enzyme in the stomach
Why it's tricky: The word seems related to 'Pepsi', the soda brand, but it's actually a medical term

Connections #1041 explained

Why these words connect (April 18, 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: LOOK AT WITH AWE

These words all describe the act of looking at something with wonder or amazement, such as marveling at a beautiful view or staring at a work of art in awe

Green group: BASIC ELECTRICITY TERMS

These words are all basic terms used in the study of electricity, including types of current and measures of electrical force, such as AC and DC, which are types of electrical current

Blue group: UNEXPECTED WINNER

These words all describe a person or thing that wins or succeeds unexpectedly, such as a dark horse candidate or an underdog team, which are terms used to describe surprise winners in sports and politics

Purple group: STARTING WITH SODA BRANDS

These words all start with the names of well-known soda brands, such as Crush and Fresca, which are used as prefixes to create new words

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.

POWER

Seems like it belongs to: UNEXPECTED WINNER

Actually belongs to: BASIC ELECTRICITY TERMS

The word 'power' can refer to the ability to win or succeed, but in this context it refers to electrical power

MARVEL

Seems like it belongs to: BASIC ELECTRICITY TERMS

Actually belongs to: LOOK AT WITH AWE

The word 'marvel' can refer to a company that produces electrical components, but in this context it means to look at with wonder

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “POWER” didn't go with UNEXPECTED WINNER

Seems like: UNEXPECTED WINNER → Actually: BASIC ELECTRICITY TERMS

The word 'power' can refer to the ability to win or succeed, but in this context it refers to electrical power

Why “MARVEL” didn't go with BASIC ELECTRICITY TERMS

Seems like: BASIC ELECTRICITY TERMS → Actually: LOOK AT WITH AWE

The word 'marvel' can refer to a company that produces electrical components, but in this context it means to look at with wonder

Browse by Date