NYT Connections Hints and Answers — Monday, April 20, 2026 (Puzzle #1044)
Written by Ranjit Kumar — Lead Editor & Puzzle Architect
Ranjit is a lifelong puzzle enthusiast and the creator of ConnectionsSports.com. He has analyzed 1,000+ Connections puzzles and helps thousands of daily players master the game.
Last Updated: | Fact-Checked: ✅ Verified | ✉️ Contact the Author
🧩 NYT Connections Answers Today — April 20, 2026 (Puzzle #1044)
Here are the complete answers for today's NYT Connections puzzle, Monday, April 20, 2026:
- 🟨 Yellow – Mass Of Smoke: Billow, Cloud, Plume, Puff
- 🟩 Green – Fishing Gear: Bait, Hook, Net, Rod
- 🟦 Blue – Associated With Black Widow Spiders: Cannibalism, Hourglass, Venom, Web
- 🟪 Purple – ___ Monday: Blue, Cyber, Manic, Meatless
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 Monday, April 20, 2026. If you're stuck on Puzzle #1044, 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 #1044
- Date: Monday, April 20, 2026
- Puzzle Number: #1044
- Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐ (Medium)
- Trickiest Category: Purple — ___ Monday
- Easiest Category: Yellow — Mass Of Smoke
📖 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 20, 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.
BILLOW Connections Hint Today
BILLOW belongs to the Yellow group ("Mass Of Smoke"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Mass Of Smoke".
Definition: BILLOW is one of the four words in the "Mass Of Smoke" category. While BILLOW has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Mass Of Smoke".
CANNIBALISM Connections Hint Today
CANNIBALISM belongs to the Blue group ("Associated With Black Widow Spiders"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Associated With Black Widow Spiders".
Definition: CANNIBALISM is one of the four words in the "Associated With Black Widow Spiders" category. While CANNIBALISM has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Associated With Black Widow Spiders".
NET Connections Hint Today
NET belongs to the Green group ("Fishing Gear"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Fishing Gear".
Definition: NET is one of the four words in the "Fishing Gear" category. While NET has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Fishing Gear".
ROD Connections Hint Today
ROD belongs to the Green group ("Fishing Gear"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Fishing Gear".
Definition: ROD is one of the four words in the "Fishing Gear" category. While ROD has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Fishing Gear".
CYBER Connections Hint Today
CYBER belongs to the Purple group ("___ Monday"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "___ Monday".
Definition: CYBER is one of the four words in the "___ Monday" category. While CYBER has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "___ Monday".
MANIC Connections Hint Today
MANIC belongs to the Purple group ("___ Monday"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "___ Monday".
Definition: MANIC is one of the four words in the "___ Monday" category. While MANIC has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "___ Monday".
BAIT Connections Hint Today
BAIT belongs to the Green group ("Fishing Gear"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Fishing Gear".
Definition: BAIT is one of the four words in the "Fishing Gear" category. While BAIT has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Fishing Gear".
CLOUD Connections Hint Today
CLOUD belongs to the Yellow group ("Mass Of Smoke"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Mass Of Smoke".
Definition: CLOUD is one of the four words in the "Mass Of Smoke" category. While CLOUD has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Mass Of Smoke".
BLUE Connections Hint Today
BLUE belongs to the Purple group ("___ Monday"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "___ Monday".
Definition: BLUE is one of the four words in the "___ Monday" category. While BLUE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "___ Monday".
VENOM Connections Hint Today
VENOM belongs to the Blue group ("Associated With Black Widow Spiders"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Associated With Black Widow Spiders".
Definition: VENOM is one of the four words in the "Associated With Black Widow Spiders" category. While VENOM has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Associated With Black Widow Spiders".
PUFF Connections Hint Today
PUFF belongs to the Yellow group ("Mass Of Smoke"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Mass Of Smoke".
Definition: PUFF is one of the four words in the "Mass Of Smoke" category. While PUFF has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Mass Of Smoke".
PLUME Connections Hint Today
PLUME belongs to the Yellow group ("Mass Of Smoke"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Mass Of Smoke".
Definition: PLUME is one of the four words in the "Mass Of Smoke" category. While PLUME has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Mass Of Smoke".
HOOK Connections Hint Today
HOOK belongs to the Green group ("Fishing Gear"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Fishing Gear".
Definition: HOOK is one of the four words in the "Fishing Gear" category. While HOOK has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Fishing Gear".
MEATLESS Connections Hint Today
MEATLESS belongs to the Purple group ("___ Monday"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "___ Monday".
Definition: MEATLESS is one of the four words in the "___ Monday" category. While MEATLESS has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "___ Monday".
HOURGLASS Connections Hint Today
HOURGLASS belongs to the Blue group ("Associated With Black Widow Spiders"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Associated With Black Widow Spiders".
Definition: HOURGLASS is one of the four words in the "Associated With Black Widow Spiders" category. While HOURGLASS has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Associated With Black Widow Spiders".
WEB Connections Hint Today
WEB belongs to the Blue group ("Associated With Black Widow Spiders"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Associated With Black Widow Spiders".
Definition: WEB is one of the four words in the "Associated With Black Widow Spiders" category. While WEB has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Associated With Black Widow Spiders".
BILLOW belongs to the Yellow group ("Mass Of Smoke"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Mass Of Smoke".
💡 Spoiler-Free Hints — NYT Connections April 20, 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 "Mass Of Smoke" — 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 "Fishing Gear" — 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 "Associated With Black Widow Spiders" — 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 "___ Monday" — 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 "Mass Of Smoke" — 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 "Fishing Gear" — 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 "Associated With Black Widow Spiders" — 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 "___ Monday" — 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 BILLOW and BAIT might seem related at first glance, but they belong to completely different categories. BILLOW is part of "Mass Of Smoke" while BAIT belongs to "Fishing Gear". Don't group them together.
Words like BILLOW and CANNIBALISM might seem related at first glance, but they belong to completely different categories. BILLOW is part of "Mass Of Smoke" while CANNIBALISM belongs to "Associated With Black Widow Spiders". Don't group them together.
Words like BILLOW and BLUE might seem related at first glance, but they belong to completely different categories. BILLOW is part of "Mass Of Smoke" while BLUE belongs to "___ Monday". 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
MASS OF SMOKE
🟩 Green
FISHING GEAR
🟦 Blue
ASSOCIATED WITH BLACK WIDOW SPIDERS
🟪 Purple
___ MONDAY
🔥 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 | Billow, Cloud | What other words fit the "Mass Of Smoke" theme? |
| 🟩 Green | Bait, Hook | What other words fit the "Fishing Gear" theme? |
| 🟦 Blue | Cannibalism, Hourglass | What other words fit the "Associated With Black Widow Spiders" theme? |
| 🟪 Purple | Blue, Cyber | What other words fit the "___ Monday" theme? |
✅ Full Answers — NYT Connections Today, April 20, 2026 (Puzzle #1044)
Here are the complete NYT Connections answers for today, Monday, April 20, 2026. Puzzle #1044 is fully solved below.
🟨 Yellow — Mass Of Smoke
🟩 Green — Fishing Gear
🟦 Blue — Associated With Black Widow Spiders
🟪 Purple — ___ Monday
🔍 Per-Word Explanations — Every Answer Defined
Let's dive deep into every word in today's Connections Puzzle #1044 — what each word means, why it belongs to its group, and how the puzzle uses it.
🟨 Yellow (Easiest) — Mass Of Smoke
The easiest category is "Mass Of Smoke". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
BILLOW
BILLOW is one of the four words in the "Mass Of Smoke" category. While BILLOW has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Mass Of Smoke".
CLOUD
CLOUD is one of the four words in the "Mass Of Smoke" category. While CLOUD has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Mass Of Smoke".
PLUME
PLUME is one of the four words in the "Mass Of Smoke" category. While PLUME has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Mass Of Smoke".
PUFF
PUFF is one of the four words in the "Mass Of Smoke" category. While PUFF has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Mass Of Smoke".
🟩 Green (Medium) — Fishing Gear
The medium category is "Fishing Gear". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
BAIT
BAIT is one of the four words in the "Fishing Gear" category. While BAIT has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Fishing Gear".
HOOK
HOOK is one of the four words in the "Fishing Gear" category. While HOOK has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Fishing Gear".
NET
NET is one of the four words in the "Fishing Gear" category. While NET has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Fishing Gear".
ROD
ROD is one of the four words in the "Fishing Gear" category. While ROD has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Fishing Gear".
🟦 Blue (Hard) — Associated With Black Widow Spiders
The hard category is "Associated With Black Widow Spiders". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
CANNIBALISM
CANNIBALISM is one of the four words in the "Associated With Black Widow Spiders" category. While CANNIBALISM has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Associated With Black Widow Spiders".
HOURGLASS
HOURGLASS is one of the four words in the "Associated With Black Widow Spiders" category. While HOURGLASS has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Associated With Black Widow Spiders".
VENOM
VENOM is one of the four words in the "Associated With Black Widow Spiders" category. While VENOM has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Associated With Black Widow Spiders".
WEB
WEB is one of the four words in the "Associated With Black Widow Spiders" category. While WEB has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Associated With Black Widow Spiders".
🟪 Purple (Hardest) — ___ Monday
The hardest category is "___ Monday". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
BLUE
BLUE is one of the four words in the "___ Monday" category. While BLUE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "___ Monday".
CYBER
CYBER is one of the four words in the "___ Monday" category. While CYBER has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "___ Monday".
MANIC
MANIC is one of the four words in the "___ Monday" category. While MANIC has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "___ Monday".
MEATLESS
MEATLESS is one of the four words in the "___ Monday" category. While MEATLESS has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "___ Monday".
📊 Difficulty Analysis & Strategy Tips
| Group | Difficulty | Solve Order |
|---|---|---|
| 🟨 Yellow — Mass Of Smoke | ⭐ Easy | Solve FIRST — the easiest category |
| 🟩 Green — Fishing Gear | ⭐⭐ Medium | Solve SECOND |
| 🟦 Blue — Associated With Black Widow Spiders | ⭐⭐⭐ Hard | Solve THIRD |
| 🟪 Purple — ___ Monday | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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 20, 2026
The answers for NYT Connections Puzzle #1044 (April 20, 2026) are: 🟨 Yellow (Mass Of Smoke): Billow, Cloud, Plume, Puff | 🟩 Green (Fishing Gear): Bait, Hook, Net, Rod | 🟦 Blue (Associated With Black Widow Spiders): Cannibalism, Hourglass, Venom, Web | 🟪 Purple (___ Monday): Blue, Cyber, Manic, Meatless.
The yellow category in today's Connections (April 20, 2026) is "Mass Of Smoke" and the four answers are Billow, Cloud, Plume, Puff.
The purple category in today's Connections (April 20, 2026) is "___ Monday" and the answers are Blue, Cyber, Manic, Meatless.
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 20, 2026, there have been 1,044 NYT Connections puzzles since the game launched on June 12, 2023.
🏆 That's Today's NYT Connections Solved — Puzzle #1044
Come back tomorrow for Puzzle #1045 — 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.
🔗 Explore More on ConnectionsSports.com
