Yellow group — MASS OF SMOKE
Why is “BILLOW” in the Yellow group?
a large cloud of smoke or steam, often from a fire or volcano
Connections Hints for April 20, 2026 #1043
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Yellow Category — April 20, 2026
Green Category — April 20, 2026
Blue Category — April 20, 2026
Purple Category — April 20, 2026
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Purple group — ASSOCIATED WITH BLACK WIDOW SPIDERS
Why is “CANNIBALISM” in the Purple group?
the act of eating the flesh of one's own species, observed in some black widow spiders
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (April 20, 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.
- CLOUD
- Definition: a visible mass of water vapor in the sky
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to cloud computing or a vague idea
- WEB
- Definition: a network of threads spun by a spider
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to the internet or a complex system
- HOOK
- Definition: a curved or bent device for catching or holding
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a catchy musical phrase or a habit
- NET
- Definition: a mesh of threads or wires used for catching
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a computer network or a clear profit
Connections #1043 explained
Why these words connect (April 20, 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: MASS OF SMOKE
These words all describe types of smoke or vapor, often associated with fires or volcanic activity. They are all related by their intangible, airy nature.
Green group: FISHING GEAR
These words all describe common equipment used for fishing, including lures, hooks, and nets. They are all related by their purpose of catching fish.
Blue group: ASSOCIATED WITH BLACK WIDOW SPIDERS
These words all describe characteristics or behaviors associated with black widow spiders, including their venom, webs, and mating habits. They are all related by their connection to these spiders.
Purple group: ___ MONDAY
These words all describe different types of Mondays, including Blue Monday, Cyber Monday, Manic Monday, and Meatless Monday. They are all related by their connection to the day of the week.
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.
“CLOUD”
Seems like it belongs to: ASSOCIATED WITH BLACK WIDOW SPIDERS
Actually belongs to: MASS OF SMOKE
while black widow spiders create webs, the word 'cloud' is more closely related to masses of smoke
“NET”
Seems like it belongs to: ASSOCIATED WITH BLACK WIDOW SPIDERS
Actually belongs to: FISHING GEAR
while black widow spiders use webs, the word 'net' is more commonly associated with fishing gear
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “CLOUD” didn't go with ASSOCIATED WITH BLACK WIDOW SPIDERS
Seems like: ASSOCIATED WITH BLACK WIDOW SPIDERS → Actually: MASS OF SMOKE
while black widow spiders create webs, the word 'cloud' is more closely related to masses of smoke
Why “NET” didn't go with ASSOCIATED WITH BLACK WIDOW SPIDERS
Seems like: ASSOCIATED WITH BLACK WIDOW SPIDERS → Actually: FISHING GEAR
while black widow spiders use webs, the word 'net' is more commonly associated with fishing gear