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Connections Hints for April 29, 2026 #1052

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 29, 2026 #1052

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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 29, 2026

Green Category — April 29, 2026

Blue Category — April 29, 2026

Purple Category — April 29, 2026

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Green group — KINDS OF PUPPETS

Why is “SHADOW” in the Green group?

a type of puppet that uses silhouettes to create characters

Green group — KINDS OF PUPPETS

Why is “STRING” in the Green group?

a type of puppet that is controlled by strings or wires

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (April 29, 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.

LEVEL
Definition: a stage or step in a process
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a flat or even surface
ROLL
Definition: a sound similar to thunder
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a rotating motion or a type of food
STAGE
Definition: a step or phase in a process
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a platform for performances
STRING
Definition: a type of puppet
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a sequence of characters or a type of cord

Connections #1052 explained

Why these words connect (April 29, 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: STEP IN A PROCESS

These are all terms used to describe a particular point or period in a process, such as a project timeline or a series of events. Each word represents a distinct phase or step that contributes to the overall progression.

Green group: SOUND LIKE THUNDER

These words all describe the loud, rumbling sounds associated with thunder, often used to create a dramatic effect in music, film, or literature. Each word evokes a sense of power and energy, drawing on the intense auditory experience of a thunderstorm.

Blue group: KINDS OF PUPPETS

These words all describe various types of puppets, each with its own unique characteristics and methods of manipulation. From the simple, hand-operated puppets to the more complex, string-controlled ones, each type offers a distinct way to tell stories and engage audiences.

Purple group: STANDING ___

These words all complete the phrase 'standing ___', which is often used to describe a person's status, reputation, or situation. Each word offers a distinct perspective on what it means to be 'standing' in a particular context, whether it's as a joke, a room, or an ovation.

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.

LEVEL

Seems like it belongs to: SOUND LIKE THUNDER

Actually belongs to: STEP IN A PROCESS

LEVEL can sound like a loud noise, but it actually refers to a step in a process

ROLL

Seems like it belongs to: STEP IN A PROCESS

Actually belongs to: SOUND LIKE THUNDER

ROLL can refer to a rotating motion, but in this context it refers to a sound similar to thunder

STAGE

Seems like it belongs to: KINDS OF PUPPETS

Actually belongs to: STEP IN A PROCESS

STAGE can refer to a platform for performances, but in this context it refers to a step in a process

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “LEVEL” didn't go with SOUND LIKE THUNDER

Seems like: SOUND LIKE THUNDER → Actually: STEP IN A PROCESS

LEVEL can sound like a loud noise, but it actually refers to a step in a process

Why “ROLL” didn't go with STEP IN A PROCESS

Seems like: STEP IN A PROCESS → Actually: SOUND LIKE THUNDER

ROLL can refer to a rotating motion, but in this context it refers to a sound similar to thunder

Why “STAGE” didn't go with KINDS OF PUPPETS

Seems like: KINDS OF PUPPETS → Actually: STEP IN A PROCESS

STAGE can refer to a platform for performances, but in this context it refers to a step in a process

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