NYT Connections Hints and Answers — Sunday, April 12, 2026 (Puzzle #1036)
Written by Ranjit Kumar — Lead Editor & Puzzle Architect
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🧩 NYT Connections Answers Today — April 12, 2026 (Puzzle #1036)
Here are the complete answers for today's NYT Connections puzzle, Sunday, April 12, 2026:
- 🟨 Yellow – PANTS FEATURES: BELT LOOP, CUFF, FLY, POCKET
- 🟩 Green – PERSPECTIVE: ANGLE, POSITION, STANCE, TAKE
- 🟦 Blue – EMIT: CAST, PROJECT, RADIATE, SHED
- 🟪 Purple – ___ DOLL: PAPER, RAG, RUSSIAN, TROLL
Want to try solving it yourself first? Scroll down for progressive spoiler-free hints before seeing the full breakdown.
Welcome to today's NYT Connections hints and answers guide for Sunday, April 12, 2026. If you're stuck on Puzzle #1036, you're in the right place. We'll start with spoiler-free progressive hints so you can try to figure it out on your own, then reveal the full Connections answers for today with a detailed explanation of each group.
📌 Key Takeaways — Puzzle #1036
- Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026
- Puzzle Number: #1036
- Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐ (Medium)
- Trickiest Category: Purple — ___ DOLL
- Easiest Category: Yellow — PANTS FEATURES
📖 In This Guide
- Tap-to-Reveal Word Hints (Interactive Grid)
- Spoiler-Free Category Hints
- Progressive Category Reveal
- Traps & Misdirects
- One-Word Hints for Each Group
- Two-Away Hints (Almost There)
- Full Answers & Solution Revealed
- Per-Word Explanations & Definitions
- Difficulty Analysis & Strategy Tips
- How to Play NYT Connections
- FAQ
🔮 Connections Hint for Each Word Today — April 12, 2026
Tap any word to see its Connections hint — what it means in today's puzzle, no spoilers. Uncover all 16 to fill the progress bar.
FLY Connections Hint Today
FLY belongs to the Yellow group ("PANTS FEATURES"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "PANTS FEATURES".
Definition: FLY is one of the four words in the "PANTS FEATURES" category. While FLY has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "PANTS FEATURES".
TAKE Connections Hint Today
TAKE belongs to the Green group ("PERSPECTIVE"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "PERSPECTIVE".
Definition: TAKE is one of the four words in the "PERSPECTIVE" category. While TAKE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "PERSPECTIVE".
POCKET Connections Hint Today
POCKET belongs to the Yellow group ("PANTS FEATURES"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "PANTS FEATURES".
Definition: POCKET is one of the four words in the "PANTS FEATURES" category. While POCKET has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "PANTS FEATURES".
SHED Connections Hint Today
SHED belongs to the Blue group ("EMIT"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "EMIT".
Definition: SHED is one of the four words in the "EMIT" category. While SHED has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "EMIT".
PAPER Connections Hint Today
PAPER belongs to the Purple group ("___ DOLL"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "___ DOLL".
Definition: PAPER is one of the four words in the "___ DOLL" category. While PAPER has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "___ DOLL".
BELT LOOP Connections Hint Today
BELT LOOP belongs to the Yellow group ("PANTS FEATURES"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "PANTS FEATURES".
Definition: BELT LOOP is one of the four words in the "PANTS FEATURES" category. While BELT LOOP has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "PANTS FEATURES".
STANCE Connections Hint Today
STANCE belongs to the Green group ("PERSPECTIVE"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "PERSPECTIVE".
Definition: STANCE is one of the four words in the "PERSPECTIVE" category. While STANCE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "PERSPECTIVE".
POSITION Connections Hint Today
POSITION belongs to the Green group ("PERSPECTIVE"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "PERSPECTIVE".
Definition: POSITION is one of the four words in the "PERSPECTIVE" category. While POSITION has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "PERSPECTIVE".
TROLL Connections Hint Today
TROLL belongs to the Purple group ("___ DOLL"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "___ DOLL".
Definition: TROLL is one of the four words in the "___ DOLL" category. While TROLL has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "___ DOLL".
CUFF Connections Hint Today
CUFF belongs to the Yellow group ("PANTS FEATURES"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "PANTS FEATURES".
Definition: CUFF is one of the four words in the "PANTS FEATURES" category. While CUFF has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "PANTS FEATURES".
ANGLE Connections Hint Today
ANGLE belongs to the Green group ("PERSPECTIVE"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "PERSPECTIVE".
Definition: ANGLE is one of the four words in the "PERSPECTIVE" category. While ANGLE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "PERSPECTIVE".
RAG Connections Hint Today
RAG belongs to the Purple group ("___ DOLL"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "___ DOLL".
Definition: RAG is one of the four words in the "___ DOLL" category. While RAG has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "___ DOLL".
RUSSIAN Connections Hint Today
RUSSIAN belongs to the Purple group ("___ DOLL"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "___ DOLL".
Definition: RUSSIAN is one of the four words in the "___ DOLL" category. While RUSSIAN has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "___ DOLL".
PROJECT Connections Hint Today
PROJECT belongs to the Blue group ("EMIT"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "EMIT".
Definition: PROJECT is one of the four words in the "EMIT" category. While PROJECT has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "EMIT".
CAST Connections Hint Today
CAST belongs to the Blue group ("EMIT"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "EMIT".
Definition: CAST is one of the four words in the "EMIT" category. While CAST has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "EMIT".
RADIATE Connections Hint Today
RADIATE belongs to the Blue group ("EMIT"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "EMIT".
Definition: RADIATE is one of the four words in the "EMIT" category. While RADIATE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "EMIT".
FLY belongs to the Yellow group ("PANTS FEATURES"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "PANTS FEATURES".
💡 Spoiler-Free Hints — NYT Connections April 12, 2026
Not ready for the full answer? Try these progressive hints for today's Connections puzzle. We start vague and get more specific.
🟨 Yellow Group Hint
Theme Hint: This is the easiest category. Think about what connects the concept of "PANTS FEATURES" — the answer involves words that all relate to this theme.
🟩 Green Group Hint
Theme Hint: This is a medium-difficulty category. Think about what connects the concept of "PERSPECTIVE" — the answer involves words that all relate to this theme.
🟦 Blue Group Hint
Theme Hint: This is a tricky category. Think about what connects the concept of "EMIT" — the answer involves words that all relate to this theme.
🟪 Purple Group Hint
Theme Hint: This is the hardest category. Think about what connects the concept of "___ DOLL" — the answer involves words that all relate to this theme.
🔓 Reveal Answers Progressively
Reveal each group step-by-step. Click "See Hint", then "See Group Name", then individual words.
Yellow Connections Hint Today
This is the easiest category. Think about what connects the concept of "PANTS FEATURES" — the answer involves words that all relate to this theme.
Green Connections Hint Today
This is a medium-difficulty category. Think about what connects the concept of "PERSPECTIVE" — the answer involves words that all relate to this theme.
Blue Connections Hint Today
This is a tricky category. Think about what connects the concept of "EMIT" — the answer involves words that all relate to this theme.
Purple Connections Hint Today
This is the hardest category. Think about what connects the concept of "___ DOLL" — the answer involves words that all relate to this theme.
⚠️ Traps & Misdirects in Today's Connections
Today's puzzle includes words intentionally placed to misdirect you. These trap hints reveal which words are designed to mislead, so you don't burn your 4 allowed mistakes on deliberate decoys.
Words like BELT LOOP and ANGLE might seem related at first glance, but they belong to completely different categories. BELT LOOP is part of "PANTS FEATURES" while ANGLE belongs to "PERSPECTIVE". Don't group them together.
Words like BELT LOOP and CAST might seem related at first glance, but they belong to completely different categories. BELT LOOP is part of "PANTS FEATURES" while CAST belongs to "EMIT". Don't group them together.
Words like BELT LOOP and PAPER might seem related at first glance, but they belong to completely different categories. BELT LOOP is part of "PANTS FEATURES" while PAPER belongs to "___ DOLL". Don't group them together.
🔑 One-Word Hints for Each Group
Still need a nudge? Here's one word that describes each group's theme:
🟨 Yellow
PANTS FEATURES
🟩 Green
PERSPECTIVE
🟦 Blue
EMIT
🟪 Purple
___ DOLL
🔥 Two-Away Hints — Almost the Full Answer
Last chance before the full reveal. Here are two members of each group:
| Group | Two Revealed Words | Can You Find the Other Two? |
|---|---|---|
| 🟨 Yellow | BELT LOOP, CUFF | What other words fit the "PANTS FEATURES" theme? |
| 🟩 Green | ANGLE, POSITION | What other words fit the "PERSPECTIVE" theme? |
| 🟦 Blue | CAST, PROJECT | What other words fit the "EMIT" theme? |
| 🟪 Purple | PAPER, RAG | What other words fit the "___ DOLL" theme? |
✅ Full Answers — NYT Connections Today, April 12, 2026 (Puzzle #1036)
Here are the complete NYT Connections answers for today, Sunday, April 12, 2026. Puzzle #1036 is fully solved below.
🟨 Yellow — PANTS FEATURES
🟩 Green — PERSPECTIVE
🟦 Blue — EMIT
🟪 Purple — ___ DOLL
🔍 Per-Word Explanations — Every Answer Defined
Let's dive deep into every word in today's Connections Puzzle #1036 — what each word means, why it belongs to its group, and how the puzzle uses it.
🟨 Yellow (Easiest) — PANTS FEATURES
The easiest category is "PANTS FEATURES". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
BELT LOOP
BELT LOOP is one of the four words in the "PANTS FEATURES" category. While BELT LOOP has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "PANTS FEATURES".
CUFF
CUFF is one of the four words in the "PANTS FEATURES" category. While CUFF has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "PANTS FEATURES".
FLY
FLY is one of the four words in the "PANTS FEATURES" category. While FLY has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "PANTS FEATURES".
POCKET is one of the four words in the "PANTS FEATURES" category. While POCKET has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "PANTS FEATURES".
🟩 Green (Medium) — PERSPECTIVE
The medium category is "PERSPECTIVE". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
ANGLE
ANGLE is one of the four words in the "PERSPECTIVE" category. While ANGLE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "PERSPECTIVE".
POSITION
POSITION is one of the four words in the "PERSPECTIVE" category. While POSITION has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "PERSPECTIVE".
STANCE
STANCE is one of the four words in the "PERSPECTIVE" category. While STANCE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "PERSPECTIVE".
TAKE
TAKE is one of the four words in the "PERSPECTIVE" category. While TAKE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "PERSPECTIVE".
🟦 Blue (Hard) — EMIT
The hard category is "EMIT". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
CAST
CAST is one of the four words in the "EMIT" category. While CAST has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "EMIT".
PROJECT
PROJECT is one of the four words in the "EMIT" category. While PROJECT has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "EMIT".
RADIATE
RADIATE is one of the four words in the "EMIT" category. While RADIATE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "EMIT".
SHED
SHED is one of the four words in the "EMIT" category. While SHED has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "EMIT".
🟪 Purple (Hardest) — ___ DOLL
The hardest category is "___ DOLL". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
PAPER
PAPER is one of the four words in the "___ DOLL" category. While PAPER has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "___ DOLL".
RAG
RAG is one of the four words in the "___ DOLL" category. While RAG has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "___ DOLL".
RUSSIAN
RUSSIAN is one of the four words in the "___ DOLL" category. While RUSSIAN has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "___ DOLL".
TROLL
TROLL is one of the four words in the "___ DOLL" category. While TROLL has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "___ DOLL".
📊 Difficulty Analysis & Strategy Tips
| Group | Difficulty | Solve Order |
|---|---|---|
| 🟨 Yellow — PANTS FEATURES | ⭐ Easy | Solve FIRST — the easiest category |
| 🟩 Green — PERSPECTIVE | ⭐⭐ Medium | Solve SECOND |
| 🟦 Blue — EMIT | ⭐⭐⭐ Hard | Solve THIRD |
| 🟪 Purple — ___ DOLL | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Hard | Solve LAST or by elimination |
🎮 How to Play NYT Connections
New to the game? Here's a quick guide:
1️⃣
Study the 16 Words
Find four groups of four related words in the 4×4 grid.
2️⃣
Select & Submit
Tap four words you think belong together and hit "Submit."
3️⃣
4 Mistakes Max
Wrong guesses cost a life. After 4 mistakes, the game ends.
4️⃣
Solve All Four
Yellow = easiest, Purple = hardest. Solve all four to win!
🗞️ What Is NYT Connections?
NYT Connections is a daily word puzzle game created by Wyna Liu and published by The New York Times. Launched in mid-2023, it has become one of the most popular word games online alongside Wordle. Each puzzle presents 16 words that must be organized into four groups of four sharing a common theme.
- 🟨 Yellow — Easiest (straightforward connections)
- 🟩 Green — Medium difficulty
- 🟦 Blue — Hard (tricky connections or wordplay)
- 🟪 Purple — Hardest (often abstract, suffix/prefix patterns, or obscure links)
📅 Yesterday's Answers — Puzzle #1145
- 🟨 Virtuous: FAIR, GOOD, JUST, RIGHT
- 🟩 Activities With Multiple Balls: BEER PONG, BINGO, JUGGLING, POOL
- 🟦 Cruise Lines: CARNIVAL, CELEBRITY, PRINCESS, VIKING
- 🟪 On the ___, To Mean "Precise": DOT, MARK, MONEY, NOSE
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Connections April 12, 2026
The answers for NYT Connections Puzzle #1036 (April 12, 2026) are: 🟨 Yellow (PANTS FEATURES): BELT LOOP, CUFF, FLY, POCKET | 🟩 Green (PERSPECTIVE): ANGLE, POSITION, STANCE, TAKE | 🟦 Blue (EMIT): CAST, PROJECT, RADIATE, SHED | 🟪 Purple (___ DOLL): PAPER, RAG, RUSSIAN, TROLL.
The yellow category in today's Connections (April 12, 2026) is "PANTS FEATURES" and the four answers are BELT LOOP, CUFF, FLY, POCKET.
The purple category in today's Connections (April 12, 2026) is "___ DOLL" and the answers are PAPER, RAG, RUSSIAN, TROLL.
A new NYT Connections puzzle is released every day at midnight Eastern Time (ET). That's 9:00 PM Pacific, 5:00 AM BST, or 2:00 PM AEST. Bookmark this page for daily hints!
You are allowed up to 4 mistakes. After 4 incorrect guesses, the game ends and all remaining answers are revealed. Start with Yellow (easiest) to minimize errors.
The colors indicate difficulty: 🟨 Yellow is the easiest, 🟩 Green is moderate, 🟦 Blue is tricky, and 🟪 Purple is the hardest (often involving wordplay or abstract connections).
Yes! NYT Connections is free to play daily on The New York Times website and app. No subscription is required. You can also play unlimited sports-themed puzzles for free at ConnectionsSports.com.
As of April 12, 2026, there have been 1,036 NYT Connections puzzles since the game launched on June 12, 2023.
🏆 That's Today's NYT Connections Solved — Puzzle #1036
Come back tomorrow for Puzzle #1037 — we'll have fresh hints and answers waiting for you right here!
Questions or feedback? Contact Ranjit Kumar — puzzle architect and creator of ConnectionsSports.com.
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