NYT Connections Hints and Answers — Tuesday, April 21, 2026 (Puzzle #1045)
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.
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🧩 NYT Connections Answers Today — April 21, 2026 (Puzzle #1045)
Here are the complete answers for today's NYT Connections puzzle, Tuesday, April 21, 2026:
- 🟨 Yellow – Walk slowly: AMBLE, MOSEY, SAUNTER, STROLL
- 🟩 Green – Malarkey!: BALONEY, BULL, BUNK, TRIPE
- 🟦 Blue – Kinds of bags: CROSSBODY, MESSENGER, SADDLE, TOTE
- 🟪 Purple – Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles: MOON, OCTO, GOLD, THUNDER
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 Tuesday, April 21, 2026. If you're stuck on Puzzle #1045, 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 #1045
- Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
- Puzzle Number: #1045
- Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐ (Medium)
- Trickiest Category: Purple — Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles
- Easiest Category: Yellow — Walk slowly
📖 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 21, 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.
BUNK Connections Hint Today
BUNK belongs to the Green group ("Malarkey!"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Malarkey!".
Definition: BUNK is one of the four words in the "Malarkey!" category. While BUNK has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Malarkey!".
THUNDER Connections Hint Today
THUNDER belongs to the Purple group ("Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles".
Definition: THUNDER is one of the four words in the "Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles" category. While THUNDER has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles".
MOSEY Connections Hint Today
MOSEY belongs to the Yellow group ("Walk slowly"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Walk slowly".
Definition: MOSEY is one of the four words in the "Walk slowly" category. While MOSEY has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Walk slowly".
GOLD Connections Hint Today
GOLD belongs to the Purple group ("Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles".
Definition: GOLD is one of the four words in the "Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles" category. While GOLD has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles".
MESSENGER Connections Hint Today
MESSENGER belongs to the Blue group ("Kinds of bags"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Kinds of bags".
Definition: MESSENGER is one of the four words in the "Kinds of bags" category. While MESSENGER has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Kinds of bags".
TOTE Connections Hint Today
TOTE belongs to the Blue group ("Kinds of bags"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Kinds of bags".
Definition: TOTE is one of the four words in the "Kinds of bags" category. While TOTE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Kinds of bags".
BULL Connections Hint Today
BULL belongs to the Green group ("Malarkey!"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Malarkey!".
Definition: BULL is one of the four words in the "Malarkey!" category. While BULL has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Malarkey!".
TRIPE Connections Hint Today
TRIPE belongs to the Green group ("Malarkey!"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Malarkey!".
Definition: TRIPE is one of the four words in the "Malarkey!" category. While TRIPE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Malarkey!".
AMBLE Connections Hint Today
AMBLE belongs to the Yellow group ("Walk slowly"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Walk slowly".
Definition: AMBLE is one of the four words in the "Walk slowly" category. While AMBLE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Walk slowly".
SADDLE Connections Hint Today
SADDLE belongs to the Blue group ("Kinds of bags"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Kinds of bags".
Definition: SADDLE is one of the four words in the "Kinds of bags" category. While SADDLE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Kinds of bags".
CROSSBODY Connections Hint Today
CROSSBODY belongs to the Blue group ("Kinds of bags"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Kinds of bags".
Definition: CROSSBODY is one of the four words in the "Kinds of bags" category. While CROSSBODY has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Kinds of bags".
OCTO Connections Hint Today
OCTO belongs to the Purple group ("Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles".
Definition: OCTO is one of the four words in the "Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles" category. While OCTO has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles".
MOON Connections Hint Today
MOON belongs to the Purple group ("Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles".
Definition: MOON is one of the four words in the "Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles" category. While MOON has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles".
STROLL Connections Hint Today
STROLL belongs to the Yellow group ("Walk slowly"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Walk slowly".
Definition: STROLL is one of the four words in the "Walk slowly" category. While STROLL has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Walk slowly".
SAUNTER Connections Hint Today
SAUNTER belongs to the Yellow group ("Walk slowly"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Walk slowly".
Definition: SAUNTER is one of the four words in the "Walk slowly" category. While SAUNTER has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Walk slowly".
BALONEY Connections Hint Today
BALONEY belongs to the Green group ("Malarkey!"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Malarkey!".
Definition: BALONEY is one of the four words in the "Malarkey!" category. While BALONEY has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Malarkey!".
BUNK belongs to the Green group ("Malarkey!"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Malarkey!".
💡 Spoiler-Free Hints — NYT Connections April 21, 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 "Walk slowly" — 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 "Malarkey!" — 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 "Kinds of bags" — 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 "Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles" — 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 "Walk slowly" — 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 "Malarkey!" — 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 "Kinds of bags" — 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 "Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles" — 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 AMBLE and BALONEY might seem related at first glance, but they belong to completely different categories. AMBLE is part of "Walk slowly" while BALONEY belongs to "Malarkey!". Don't group them together.
Words like AMBLE and CROSSBODY might seem related at first glance, but they belong to completely different categories. AMBLE is part of "Walk slowly" while CROSSBODY belongs to "Kinds of bags". Don't group them together.
Words like AMBLE and MOON might seem related at first glance, but they belong to completely different categories. AMBLE is part of "Walk slowly" while MOON belongs to "Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles". 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
WALK SLOWLY
🟩 Green
MALARKEY!
🟦 Blue
KINDS OF BAGS
🟪 Purple
STARTS OF ONE-WORD JAMES BOND MOVIE TITLES
🔥 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 | AMBLE, MOSEY | What other words fit the "Walk slowly" theme? |
| 🟩 Green | BALONEY, BULL | What other words fit the "Malarkey!" theme? |
| 🟦 Blue | CROSSBODY, MESSENGER | What other words fit the "Kinds of bags" theme? |
| 🟪 Purple | MOON, OCTO | What other words fit the "Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles" theme? |
✅ Full Answers — NYT Connections Today, April 21, 2026 (Puzzle #1045)
Here are the complete NYT Connections answers for today, Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Puzzle #1045 is fully solved below.
🟨 Yellow — Walk slowly
🟩 Green — Malarkey!
🟦 Blue — Kinds of bags
🟪 Purple — Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles
🔍 Per-Word Explanations — Every Answer Defined
Let's dive deep into every word in today's Connections Puzzle #1045 — what each word means, why it belongs to its group, and how the puzzle uses it.
🟨 Yellow (Easiest) — Walk slowly
The easiest category is "Walk slowly". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
AMBLE
AMBLE is one of the four words in the "Walk slowly" category. While AMBLE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Walk slowly".
MOSEY
MOSEY is one of the four words in the "Walk slowly" category. While MOSEY has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Walk slowly".
SAUNTER
SAUNTER is one of the four words in the "Walk slowly" category. While SAUNTER has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Walk slowly".
STROLL
STROLL is one of the four words in the "Walk slowly" category. While STROLL has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Walk slowly".
🟩 Green (Medium) — Malarkey!
The medium category is "Malarkey!". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
BALONEY
BALONEY is one of the four words in the "Malarkey!" category. While BALONEY has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Malarkey!".
BULL
BULL is one of the four words in the "Malarkey!" category. While BULL has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Malarkey!".
BUNK
BUNK is one of the four words in the "Malarkey!" category. While BUNK has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Malarkey!".
TRIPE
TRIPE is one of the four words in the "Malarkey!" category. While TRIPE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Malarkey!".
🟦 Blue (Hard) — Kinds of bags
The hard category is "Kinds of bags". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
CROSSBODY
CROSSBODY is one of the four words in the "Kinds of bags" category. While CROSSBODY has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Kinds of bags".
MESSENGER
MESSENGER is one of the four words in the "Kinds of bags" category. While MESSENGER has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Kinds of bags".
SADDLE
SADDLE is one of the four words in the "Kinds of bags" category. While SADDLE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Kinds of bags".
TOTE
TOTE is one of the four words in the "Kinds of bags" category. While TOTE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Kinds of bags".
🟪 Purple (Hardest) — Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles
The hardest category is "Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
MOON
MOON is one of the four words in the "Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles" category. While MOON has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles".
OCTO
OCTO is one of the four words in the "Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles" category. While OCTO has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles".
GOLD
GOLD is one of the four words in the "Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles" category. While GOLD has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles".
THUNDER
THUNDER is one of the four words in the "Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles" category. While THUNDER has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles".
📊 Difficulty Analysis & Strategy Tips
| Group | Difficulty | Solve Order |
|---|---|---|
| 🟨 Yellow — Walk slowly | ⭐ Easy | Solve FIRST — the easiest category |
| 🟩 Green — Malarkey! | ⭐⭐ Medium | Solve SECOND |
| 🟦 Blue — Kinds of bags | ⭐⭐⭐ Hard | Solve THIRD |
| 🟪 Purple — Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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 21, 2026
The answers for NYT Connections Puzzle #1045 (April 21, 2026) are: 🟨 Yellow (Walk slowly): AMBLE, MOSEY, SAUNTER, STROLL | 🟩 Green (Malarkey!): BALONEY, BULL, BUNK, TRIPE | 🟦 Blue (Kinds of bags): CROSSBODY, MESSENGER, SADDLE, TOTE | 🟪 Purple (Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles): MOON, OCTO, GOLD, THUNDER.
The yellow category in today's Connections (April 21, 2026) is "Walk slowly" and the four answers are AMBLE, MOSEY, SAUNTER, STROLL.
The purple category in today's Connections (April 21, 2026) is "Starts of one-word James Bond movie titles" and the answers are MOON, OCTO, GOLD, THUNDER.
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 21, 2026, there have been 1,045 NYT Connections puzzles since the game launched on June 12, 2023.
🏆 That's Today's NYT Connections Solved — Puzzle #1045
Come back tomorrow for Puzzle #1046 — 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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