Everything you need to solve ‘Connections’ #1034.
By on April 9, 2026
The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you’re full of surprises. Connections is one of the popular New York Times word games that’s captured the public’s attention. The game is about finding the “common threads between words.” Like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier—so we’ve served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want today’s puzzle solution, jump to the end of this article. But if you’d rather solve it yourself, keep reading for clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable
What is Connections?
The NYT’s latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping create the new word game and bringing it to the Games section. Connections can be played on web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
Each puzzle features 16 words split into four categories. These sets could comprise anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words seem to fit together, there’s only one correct answer.
If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong, and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
Players can rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
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SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for April 10, 2026
Here’s a hint for today’s Connections categories
Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Try these:
– Yellow: Spices
– Green: “Surprise!”
– Blue: Holed dairy
– Purple: They’re the same color
Here are today’s Connections categories
Need extra help? Today’s connections fall into these categories:
– Yellow: Peppers
– Green: Things that pop up
– Blue: Descriptors for Swiss cheese
– Purple: Blue characters
Looking for Wordle today? Here’s the answer to today’s Wordle.
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today’s puzzle before we reveal the solutions. Drumroll, please!
The solution to today’s Connections #1034 is…
– Peppers: BELL PEPPER, CAROLINA REAPER, CHIPOTLE, PEPPERONCINO
– Things that pop up: EJECTOR SEAT, JACK-IN-THE-BOX, POP-UP BOOK, TOASTER
– Descriptors for Swiss cheese: FIRM, HOLEY, NUTTY, SWISS
– Blue characters: BLUE, GENIE, GONZO, SONIC
Don’t feel down if you didn’t guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we’ll be back with more helpful hints.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 10, 2026
Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today’s puzzle.
If you’re looking for more puzzles, Mashable’s got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you’re after? Here’s the solution to yesterday’s Connections.
Topics: Connections