Yellow group — MASS OF SMOKE
Why is “BILLOW” in the Yellow group?
a large cloud of smoke or steam, often caused by a fire or explosion
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 something
- 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 or holding something
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a computer network or a gain
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 a visible mass of smoke or vapor, often caused by a fire or explosion. They are all related to the concept of smoke or steam in the air.
Green group: FISHING GEAR
These words all describe equipment or tools used for fishing, including lures, devices, and structures. They are all related to the activity of fishing.
Blue group: ASSOCIATED WITH BLACK WIDOW SPIDERS
These words all describe concepts or objects that are associated with black widow spiders, including their behavior, physical characteristics, and habitats. They are all related to the biology or ecology of black widow spiders.
Purple group: ___ MONDAY
These words all describe types of Mondays, including days of the week that are associated with particular themes or activities. They are all related to the concept of a Monday.
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 a mass 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 closely related to fishing gear
“HOOK”
Seems like it belongs to: ASSOCIATED WITH BLACK WIDOW SPIDERS
Actually belongs to: FISHING GEAR
while black widow spiders have a hook-like structure, the word 'hook' is more closely related to 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 a mass 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 closely related to fishing gear
Why “HOOK” didn't go with ASSOCIATED WITH BLACK WIDOW SPIDERS
Seems like: ASSOCIATED WITH BLACK WIDOW SPIDERS → Actually: FISHING GEAR
while black widow spiders have a hook-like structure, the word 'hook' is more closely related to fishing gear