NYT Connections Hints and Answers — Sunday, April 19, 2026 (Puzzle #1043)
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🧩 NYT Connections Answers Today — April 19, 2026 (Puzzle #1043)
Here are the complete answers for today's NYT Connections puzzle, Sunday, April 19, 2026:
- 🟨 Yellow – CHEEKY: ARCH, FRESH, SASSY, WISE
- 🟩 Green – DRESS MEASUREMENTS: BUST, HIPS, LENGTH, WAIST
- 🟦 Blue – CARDS IN TEXAS HOLD 'EM: FLOP, HOLE, RIVER, TURN
- 🟪 Purple – LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR: CAP, DUD, KID, MINT
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 19, 2026. If you're stuck on Puzzle #1043, 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 #1043
- Date: Sunday, April 19, 2026
- Puzzle Number: #1043
- Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐ (Medium)
- Trickiest Category: Purple — LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR
- Easiest Category: Yellow — CHEEKY
📖 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 19, 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.
BUST Connections Hint Today
BUST belongs to the Green group ("DRESS MEASUREMENTS"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "DRESS MEASUREMENTS".
Definition: BUST is one of the four words in the "DRESS MEASUREMENTS" category. While BUST has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "DRESS MEASUREMENTS".
LENGTH Connections Hint Today
LENGTH belongs to the Green group ("DRESS MEASUREMENTS"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "DRESS MEASUREMENTS".
Definition: LENGTH is one of the four words in the "DRESS MEASUREMENTS" category. While LENGTH has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "DRESS MEASUREMENTS".
SASSY Connections Hint Today
SASSY belongs to the Yellow group ("CHEEKY"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "CHEEKY".
Definition: SASSY is one of the four words in the "CHEEKY" category. While SASSY has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "CHEEKY".
FLOP Connections Hint Today
FLOP belongs to the Blue group ("CARDS IN TEXAS HOLD 'EM"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "CARDS IN TEXAS HOLD 'EM".
Definition: FLOP is one of the four words in the "CARDS IN TEXAS HOLD 'EM" category. While FLOP has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "CARDS IN TEXAS HOLD 'EM".
KID Connections Hint Today
KID belongs to the Purple group ("LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR".
Definition: KID is one of the four words in the "LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR" category. While KID has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR".
HOLE Connections Hint Today
HOLE belongs to the Blue group ("CARDS IN TEXAS HOLD 'EM"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "CARDS IN TEXAS HOLD 'EM".
Definition: HOLE is one of the four words in the "CARDS IN TEXAS HOLD 'EM" category. While HOLE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "CARDS IN TEXAS HOLD 'EM".
TURN Connections Hint Today
TURN belongs to the Blue group ("CARDS IN TEXAS HOLD 'EM"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "CARDS IN TEXAS HOLD 'EM".
Definition: TURN is one of the four words in the "CARDS IN TEXAS HOLD 'EM" category. While TURN has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "CARDS IN TEXAS HOLD 'EM".
DUD Connections Hint Today
DUD belongs to the Purple group ("LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR".
Definition: DUD is one of the four words in the "LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR" category. While DUD has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR".
WAIST Connections Hint Today
WAIST belongs to the Green group ("DRESS MEASUREMENTS"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "DRESS MEASUREMENTS".
Definition: WAIST is one of the four words in the "DRESS MEASUREMENTS" category. While WAIST has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "DRESS MEASUREMENTS".
WISE Connections Hint Today
WISE belongs to the Yellow group ("CHEEKY"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "CHEEKY".
Definition: WISE is one of the four words in the "CHEEKY" category. While WISE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "CHEEKY".
ARCH Connections Hint Today
ARCH belongs to the Yellow group ("CHEEKY"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "CHEEKY".
Definition: ARCH is one of the four words in the "CHEEKY" category. While ARCH has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "CHEEKY".
HIPS Connections Hint Today
HIPS belongs to the Green group ("DRESS MEASUREMENTS"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "DRESS MEASUREMENTS".
Definition: HIPS is one of the four words in the "DRESS MEASUREMENTS" category. While HIPS has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "DRESS MEASUREMENTS".
RIVER Connections Hint Today
RIVER belongs to the Blue group ("CARDS IN TEXAS HOLD 'EM"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "CARDS IN TEXAS HOLD 'EM".
Definition: RIVER is one of the four words in the "CARDS IN TEXAS HOLD 'EM" category. While RIVER has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "CARDS IN TEXAS HOLD 'EM".
FRESH Connections Hint Today
FRESH belongs to the Yellow group ("CHEEKY"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "CHEEKY".
Definition: FRESH is one of the four words in the "CHEEKY" category. While FRESH has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "CHEEKY".
CAP Connections Hint Today
CAP belongs to the Purple group ("LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR".
Definition: CAP is one of the four words in the "LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR" category. While CAP has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR".
MINT Connections Hint Today
MINT belongs to the Purple group ("LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR".
Definition: MINT is one of the four words in the "LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR" category. While MINT has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR".
BUST belongs to the Green group ("DRESS MEASUREMENTS"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "DRESS MEASUREMENTS".
💡 Spoiler-Free Hints — NYT Connections April 19, 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 "CHEEKY" — 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 "DRESS MEASUREMENTS" — 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 "CARDS IN TEXAS HOLD 'EM" — 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 "LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR" — 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 "CHEEKY" — 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 "DRESS MEASUREMENTS" — 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 "CARDS IN TEXAS HOLD 'EM" — 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 "LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR" — 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 ARCH and BUST might seem related at first glance, but they belong to completely different categories. ARCH is part of "CHEEKY" while BUST belongs to "DRESS MEASUREMENTS". Don't group them together.
Words like ARCH and FLOP might seem related at first glance, but they belong to completely different categories. ARCH is part of "CHEEKY" while FLOP belongs to "CARDS IN TEXAS HOLD 'EM". Don't group them together.
Words like ARCH and CAP might seem related at first glance, but they belong to completely different categories. ARCH is part of "CHEEKY" while CAP belongs to "LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR". 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
CHEEKY
🟩 Green
DRESS MEASUREMENTS
🟦 Blue
CARDS IN TEXAS HOLD 'EM
🟪 Purple
LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR
🔥 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 | ARCH, FRESH | What other words fit the "CHEEKY" theme? |
| 🟩 Green | BUST, HIPS | What other words fit the "DRESS MEASUREMENTS" theme? |
| 🟦 Blue | FLOP, HOLE | What other words fit the "CARDS IN TEXAS HOLD 'EM" theme? |
| 🟪 Purple | CAP, DUD | What other words fit the "LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR" theme? |
✅ Full Answers — NYT Connections Today, April 19, 2026 (Puzzle #1043)
Here are the complete NYT Connections answers for today, Sunday, April 19, 2026. Puzzle #1043 is fully solved below.
🟨 Yellow — CHEEKY
🟩 Green — DRESS MEASUREMENTS
🟦 Blue — CARDS IN TEXAS HOLD 'EM
🟪 Purple — LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR
🔍 Per-Word Explanations — Every Answer Defined
Let's dive deep into every word in today's Connections Puzzle #1043 — what each word means, why it belongs to its group, and how the puzzle uses it.
🟨 Yellow (Easiest) — CHEEKY
The easiest category is "CHEEKY". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
ARCH
ARCH is one of the four words in the "CHEEKY" category. While ARCH has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "CHEEKY".
FRESH
FRESH is one of the four words in the "CHEEKY" category. While FRESH has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "CHEEKY".
SASSY
SASSY is one of the four words in the "CHEEKY" category. While SASSY has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "CHEEKY".
WISE
WISE is one of the four words in the "CHEEKY" category. While WISE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "CHEEKY".
🟩 Green (Medium) — DRESS MEASUREMENTS
The medium category is "DRESS MEASUREMENTS". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
BUST
BUST is one of the four words in the "DRESS MEASUREMENTS" category. While BUST has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "DRESS MEASUREMENTS".
HIPS
HIPS is one of the four words in the "DRESS MEASUREMENTS" category. While HIPS has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "DRESS MEASUREMENTS".
LENGTH
LENGTH is one of the four words in the "DRESS MEASUREMENTS" category. While LENGTH has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "DRESS MEASUREMENTS".
WAIST
WAIST is one of the four words in the "DRESS MEASUREMENTS" category. While WAIST has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "DRESS MEASUREMENTS".
🟦 Blue (Hard) — CARDS IN TEXAS HOLD 'EM
The hard category is "CARDS IN TEXAS HOLD 'EM". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
FLOP
FLOP is one of the four words in the "CARDS IN TEXAS HOLD 'EM" category. While FLOP has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "CARDS IN TEXAS HOLD 'EM".
HOLE
HOLE is one of the four words in the "CARDS IN TEXAS HOLD 'EM" category. While HOLE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "CARDS IN TEXAS HOLD 'EM".
RIVER
RIVER is one of the four words in the "CARDS IN TEXAS HOLD 'EM" category. While RIVER has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "CARDS IN TEXAS HOLD 'EM".
TURN
TURN is one of the four words in the "CARDS IN TEXAS HOLD 'EM" category. While TURN has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "CARDS IN TEXAS HOLD 'EM".
🟪 Purple (Hardest) — LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR
The hardest category is "LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
CAP
CAP is one of the four words in the "LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR" category. While CAP has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR".
DUD
DUD is one of the four words in the "LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR" category. While DUD has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR".
KID
KID is one of the four words in the "LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR" category. While KID has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR".
MINT
MINT is one of the four words in the "LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR" category. While MINT has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR".
📊 Difficulty Analysis & Strategy Tips
| Group | Difficulty | Solve Order |
|---|---|---|
| 🟨 Yellow — CHEEKY | ⭐ Easy | Solve FIRST — the easiest category |
| 🟩 Green — DRESS MEASUREMENTS | ⭐⭐ Medium | Solve SECOND |
| 🟦 Blue — CARDS IN TEXAS HOLD 'EM | ⭐⭐⭐ Hard | Solve THIRD |
| 🟪 Purple — LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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 19, 2026
The answers for NYT Connections Puzzle #1043 (April 19, 2026) are: 🟨 Yellow (CHEEKY): ARCH, FRESH, SASSY, WISE | 🟩 Green (DRESS MEASUREMENTS): BUST, HIPS, LENGTH, WAIST | 🟦 Blue (CARDS IN TEXAS HOLD 'EM): FLOP, HOLE, RIVER, TURN | 🟪 Purple (LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR): CAP, DUD, KID, MINT.
The yellow category in today's Connections (April 19, 2026) is "CHEEKY" and the four answers are ARCH, FRESH, SASSY, WISE.
The purple category in today's Connections (April 19, 2026) is "LAST WORDS OF CANDY BRANDS IN THE SINGULAR" and the answers are CAP, DUD, KID, MINT.
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 19, 2026, there have been 1,043 NYT Connections puzzles since the game launched on June 12, 2023.
🏆 That's Today's NYT Connections Solved — Puzzle #1043
Come back tomorrow for Puzzle #1044 — 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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