Everything you need to solve ‘Connections’ #1040.
By on April 15, 2026
The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you love comics. Connections is one of the most popular New York Times word games that’s captured the public’s attention. The game is all about finding the “common threads between words.” And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier—so we’ve provided some hints and tips to help you along.
If you just want today’s puzzle answer, skip to the end of this article for the solution. Otherwise, keep reading for clues, tips, and strategies.
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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 to create the new word game. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and requires players to group four words that share something in common.
Each puzzle features 16 words split into four categories. These sets could consist of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words might 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 before the game ends.
Players can rearrange and shuffle the board to spot connections more easily. 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 friends on social media.
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Here’s a hint for today’s Connections categories
Want a hint about the categories? Try these:
Yellow: To mock
Green: HVAC options
Blue: Batman’s lover
Purple: Prepping
Here are today’s Connections categories
Need extra help? Today’s connections fall into these categories:
Yellow: Tease
Green: Thermostat settings
Blue: Features of a Catwoman costume
Purple: Training ___
Looking for Wordle today? Here’s the answer to today’s Wordle.
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to solve today’s puzzle before the solution is revealed.
Drumroll, please!
The solution to today’s Connections #1040 is…
What is the answer to Connections today
Tease: NEEDLE, RIB, RIDE, ROAST
Thermostat settings: AUTO, COOL, FAN, HEAT
Features of a Catwoman costume: BODYSUIT, CLAWS, MASK, WHIP
Training ___: BRA, CAMP, DAY, WHEELS
Don’t worry if you didn’t get it this time. There will be new Connections to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we’ll be here with more helpful hints.
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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