Enjoying our puzzle hints?

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

Buy me a coffee

Connections Hints for May 19, 2026 #1072

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 19, 2026 #1072

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 2026-05-19. 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 19, 2026

Green Category — May 19, 2026

Blue Category — May 19, 2026

Purple Category — May 19, 2026

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Purple group — JUDY BLUME BOOKS

Why is “BLUBBER” in the Purple group?

a 1974 young adult novel by Judy Blume about bullying

Blue group — FISH MINUS A LETTER

Why is “FOUNDER” in the Blue group?

a person who establishes an organization, or a type of fish minus the letter 'F'

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (May 19, 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.

FUDGE
Definition: to alter or manipulate deceptively
Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, including a type of dessert
DOCTOR
Definition: to alter or manipulate deceptively
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a medical professional
ALTER
Definition: to modify deceptively
Why it's tricky: can also mean to change or modify in a non-deceptive way
COOK
Definition: to modify deceptively, especially financial records
Why it's tricky: can also refer to preparing food

Connections #1072 explained

Why these words connect (May 19, 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: THINGS BABIES DO

These are all actions or behaviors typically associated with babies, such as making sounds or feeding.

Green group: MODIFY DECEPTIVELY

These are all words that can mean to alter or manipulate something in a deceptive way, often used in the context of financial records or data.

Blue group: JUDY BLUME BOOKS

These are all titles of books written by Judy Blume, known for her realistic and relatable stories about young people.

Purple group: FISH MINUS A LETTER

These are all words that are similar to types of fish, but with one letter removed, such as 'founder' being similar to 'flounder'.

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.

COOK

Seems like it belongs to: JUDY BLUME BOOKS

Actually belongs to: MODIFY DECEPTIVELY

while Judy Blume wrote about many topics, 'cook' is more likely to be related to modifying financial records

DOCTOR

Seems like it belongs to: FISH MINUS A LETTER

Actually belongs to: MODIFY DECEPTIVELY

while 'doctor' can refer to a medical professional, in this context it means to alter or manipulate deceptively

NURSE

Seems like it belongs to: JUDY BLUME BOOKS

Actually belongs to: THINGS BABIES DO

while nursing can be a topic in Judy Blume books, 'nurse' is more likely to be related to baby care

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “COOK” didn't go with JUDY BLUME BOOKS

Seems like: JUDY BLUME BOOKS → Actually: MODIFY DECEPTIVELY

while Judy Blume wrote about many topics, 'cook' is more likely to be related to modifying financial records

Why “DOCTOR” didn't go with FISH MINUS A LETTER

Seems like: FISH MINUS A LETTER → Actually: MODIFY DECEPTIVELY

while 'doctor' can refer to a medical professional, in this context it means to alter or manipulate deceptively

Why “NURSE” didn't go with JUDY BLUME BOOKS

Seems like: JUDY BLUME BOOKS → Actually: THINGS BABIES DO

while nursing can be a topic in Judy Blume books, 'nurse' is more likely to be related to baby care

Browse by Date