Yellow group — HOMOPHONES
Why is “PÈRE” in the Yellow group?
A French word for 'father', pronounced similarly to 'pair' and 'pear'
Connections Hints for May 18, 2026 #1071
Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for May 18, 2026 #1071
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 2026-05-18. 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 — May 18, 2026
Green Category — May 18, 2026
Blue Category — May 18, 2026
Purple Category — May 18, 2026
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Green group — FRUIT ANAGRAMS
Why is “EARP” in the Green group?
An anagram of the fruit 'pear'
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (May 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.
- PAIR
- Definition: Two items together
- Why it's tricky: Can refer to matching items or a quantity of two
- PARE
- Definition: To cut down or reduce
- Why it's tricky: Similar spelling to 'pair' and 'pear'
- ROYAL
- Definition: Related to a king or monarchy
- Why it's tricky: Can also refer to a sports team, the Kansas City Royals
- RED
- Definition: A color
- Why it's tricky: Can also refer to the Cincinnati Reds baseball team
Connections #1071 explained
Why these words connect (May 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: HOMOPHONES
These words are all pronounced similarly, despite having different meanings and spellings, such as 'pair', 'pare', 'pear', and the French word 'père'
Green group: RUPTURE
These words all describe a sudden or forceful break, such as a blow, a crack, or a pop, often implying a violent or intense action
Blue group: MLB PLAYER
These words are all names of Major League Baseball teams, such as the San Diego Padres, the Cincinnati Reds, the Kansas City Royals, and the Minnesota Twins
Purple group: FRUIT ANAGRAMS
These words are all anagrams of different types of fruit, such as 'cheap' being an anagram of 'peach', 'earp' being an anagram of 'pear', and 'lump' being an anagram of 'plum'
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.
“RED”
Seems like it belongs to: RUPTURE
Actually belongs to: MLB PLAYER
While 'red' can imply a burst or rupture, in this context it refers to the Cincinnati Reds baseball team
“ROYAL”
Seems like it belongs to: RUPTURE
Actually belongs to: MLB PLAYER
Although 'royal' can imply grandeur or intensity, it refers to the Kansas City Royals baseball team in this puzzle
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “RED” didn't go with RUPTURE
Seems like: RUPTURE → Actually: MLB PLAYER
While 'red' can imply a burst or rupture, in this context it refers to the Cincinnati Reds baseball team
Why “ROYAL” didn't go with RUPTURE
Seems like: RUPTURE → Actually: MLB PLAYER
Although 'royal' can imply grandeur or intensity, it refers to the Kansas City Royals baseball team in this puzzle