NYT Connections Hints and Answers — Sunday, July 26, 2026 (Puzzle #1141)
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 — July 26, 2026 (Puzzle #1141)
Here are the complete answers for today's NYT Connections puzzle, Sunday, July 26, 2026:
- 🟨 Yellow – BABY MILESTONES: CRAWLING, FIRST WORDS, ROLLING OVER, SOLID FOOD
- 🟩 Green – OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH: BLACKBERRY, DISCMAN, DVD PLAYER, PLASMA TV
- 🟦 Blue – EXPRESSIONS FOR RAIN: APRIL SHOWERS, LIQUID SUNSHINE, SCOTCH MIST, WET WEATHER
- 🟪 Purple – WHAT "SHELL" MIGHT REFER TO: CARAPACE, GAS STATION, PASTRY CRUST, ROWING BOAT
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, July 26, 2026. If you're stuck on Puzzle #1141, 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 #1141
- Date: Sunday, July 26, 2026
- Puzzle Number: #1141
- Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐ (Medium)
- Trickiest Category: Purple — WHAT "SHELL" MIGHT REFER TO
- Easiest Category: Yellow — BABY MILESTONES
- Red Herring Warning: Watch out for "BLACKBERRY"! It’s easy to group it with "SOLID FOOD" or fruit-related words, but here it refers strictly to the iconic physical-keyboard smartphone from the 2000s. Additionally, "SCOTCH MIST" might look like a drink or spirit at first glance, but it's actually an expression for light, drizzly rain.
📖 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 — July 26, 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.
BLACKBERRY Connections Hint Today
BLACKBERRY belongs to the Green group ("OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH".
Definition: BLACKBERRY is one of the four words in the "OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH" category. While BLACKBERRY has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH".
PLASMA TV Connections Hint Today
PLASMA TV belongs to the Green group ("OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH".
Definition: PLASMA TV is one of the four words in the "OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH" category. While PLASMA TV has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH".
APRIL SHOWERS Connections Hint Today
APRIL SHOWERS belongs to the Blue group ("EXPRESSIONS FOR RAIN"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "EXPRESSIONS FOR RAIN".
Definition: APRIL SHOWERS is one of the four words in the "EXPRESSIONS FOR RAIN" category. While APRIL SHOWERS has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "EXPRESSIONS FOR RAIN".
ROWING BOAT Connections Hint Today
ROWING BOAT belongs to the Purple group ("WHAT "SHELL" MIGHT REFER TO"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "WHAT "SHELL" MIGHT REFER TO".
Definition: ROWING BOAT is one of the four words in the "WHAT "SHELL" MIGHT REFER TO" category. While ROWING BOAT has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "WHAT "SHELL" MIGHT REFER TO".
LIQUID SUNSHINE Connections Hint Today
LIQUID SUNSHINE belongs to the Blue group ("EXPRESSIONS FOR RAIN"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "EXPRESSIONS FOR RAIN".
Definition: LIQUID SUNSHINE is one of the four words in the "EXPRESSIONS FOR RAIN" category. While LIQUID SUNSHINE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "EXPRESSIONS FOR RAIN".
CRAWLING Connections Hint Today
CRAWLING belongs to the Yellow group ("BABY MILESTONES"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "BABY MILESTONES".
Definition: CRAWLING is one of the four words in the "BABY MILESTONES" category. While CRAWLING has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "BABY MILESTONES".
SCOTCH MIST Connections Hint Today
SCOTCH MIST belongs to the Blue group ("EXPRESSIONS FOR RAIN"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "EXPRESSIONS FOR RAIN".
Definition: SCOTCH MIST is one of the four words in the "EXPRESSIONS FOR RAIN" category. While SCOTCH MIST has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "EXPRESSIONS FOR RAIN".
GAS STATION Connections Hint Today
GAS STATION belongs to the Purple group ("WHAT "SHELL" MIGHT REFER TO"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "WHAT "SHELL" MIGHT REFER TO".
Definition: GAS STATION is one of the four words in the "WHAT "SHELL" MIGHT REFER TO" category. While GAS STATION has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "WHAT "SHELL" MIGHT REFER TO".
WET WEATHER Connections Hint Today
WET WEATHER belongs to the Blue group ("EXPRESSIONS FOR RAIN"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "EXPRESSIONS FOR RAIN".
Definition: WET WEATHER is one of the four words in the "EXPRESSIONS FOR RAIN" category. While WET WEATHER has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "EXPRESSIONS FOR RAIN".
FIRST WORDS Connections Hint Today
FIRST WORDS belongs to the Yellow group ("BABY MILESTONES"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "BABY MILESTONES".
Definition: FIRST WORDS is one of the four words in the "BABY MILESTONES" category. While FIRST WORDS has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "BABY MILESTONES".
DISCMAN Connections Hint Today
DISCMAN belongs to the Green group ("OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH".
Definition: DISCMAN is one of the four words in the "OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH" category. While DISCMAN has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH".
CARAPACE Connections Hint Today
CARAPACE belongs to the Purple group ("WHAT "SHELL" MIGHT REFER TO"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "WHAT "SHELL" MIGHT REFER TO".
Definition: CARAPACE is one of the four words in the "WHAT "SHELL" MIGHT REFER TO" category. While CARAPACE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "WHAT "SHELL" MIGHT REFER TO".
SOLID FOOD Connections Hint Today
SOLID FOOD belongs to the Yellow group ("BABY MILESTONES"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "BABY MILESTONES".
Definition: SOLID FOOD is one of the four words in the "BABY MILESTONES" category. While SOLID FOOD has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "BABY MILESTONES".
DVD PLAYER Connections Hint Today
DVD PLAYER belongs to the Green group ("OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH".
Definition: DVD PLAYER is one of the four words in the "OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH" category. While DVD PLAYER has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH".
PASTRY CRUST Connections Hint Today
PASTRY CRUST belongs to the Purple group ("WHAT "SHELL" MIGHT REFER TO"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "WHAT "SHELL" MIGHT REFER TO".
Definition: PASTRY CRUST is one of the four words in the "WHAT "SHELL" MIGHT REFER TO" category. While PASTRY CRUST has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "WHAT "SHELL" MIGHT REFER TO".
ROLLING OVER Connections Hint Today
ROLLING OVER belongs to the Yellow group ("BABY MILESTONES"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "BABY MILESTONES".
Definition: ROLLING OVER is one of the four words in the "BABY MILESTONES" category. While ROLLING OVER has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "BABY MILESTONES".
BLACKBERRY belongs to the Green group ("OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH".
⚠️ Red Herring Alert: Watch out for "BLACKBERRY"! It’s easy to group it with "SOLID FOOD" or fruit-related words, but here it refers strictly to the iconic physical-keyboard smartphone from the 2000s. Additionally, "SCOTCH MIST" might look like a drink or spirit at first glance, but it's actually an expression for light, drizzly rain.
💡 Spoiler-Free Hints — NYT Connections July 26, 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: Think about standard signs of growth and development you’d log in a baby’s first-year memory book.
🟩 Green Group Hint
Theme Hint: These are electronic gadgets and entertainment devices that were popular in decades past but have largely been replaced by modern smartphones and streaming services.
🟦 Blue Group Hint
Theme Hint: Idioms, poetic phrases, or informal terms used to describe precipitation falling from the sky.
🟪 Purple Group Hint
Theme Hint: Think about all the different things—whether biological, commercial, culinary, or athletic—that can be named or branded as a "Shell."
🔓 Reveal Answers Progressively
Reveal each group step-by-step. Click "See Hint", then "See Group Name", then individual words.
Yellow Connections Hint Today
Think about standard signs of growth and development you’d log in a baby’s first-year memory book.
Green Connections Hint Today
These are electronic gadgets and entertainment devices that were popular in decades past but have largely been replaced by modern smartphones and streaming services.
Blue Connections Hint Today
Idioms, poetic phrases, or informal terms used to describe precipitation falling from the sky.
Purple Connections Hint Today
Think about all the different things—whether biological, commercial, culinary, or athletic—that can be named or branded as a "Shell."
⚠️ 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.
Watch out for "BLACKBERRY"! It’s easy to group it with "SOLID FOOD" or fruit-related words, but here it refers strictly to the iconic physical-keyboard smartphone from the 2000s. Additionally, "SCOTCH MIST" might look like a drink or spirit at first glance, but it's actually an expression for light, drizzly rain.
Words like CRAWLING and BLACKBERRY might seem related at first glance, but they belong to completely different categories. CRAWLING is part of "BABY MILESTONES" while BLACKBERRY belongs to "OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH". Don't group them together.
Words like CRAWLING and APRIL SHOWERS might seem related at first glance, but they belong to completely different categories. CRAWLING is part of "BABY MILESTONES" while APRIL SHOWERS belongs to "EXPRESSIONS FOR RAIN". Don't group them together.
Words like CRAWLING and CARAPACE might seem related at first glance, but they belong to completely different categories. CRAWLING is part of "BABY MILESTONES" while CARAPACE belongs to "WHAT "SHELL" MIGHT REFER TO". 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
BABY MILESTONES
🟩 Green
OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH
🟦 Blue
EXPRESSIONS FOR RAIN
🟪 Purple
WHAT "SHELL" MIGHT REFER TO
🔥 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 | CRAWLING, FIRST WORDS | What other words fit the "BABY MILESTONES" theme? |
| 🟩 Green | BLACKBERRY, DISCMAN | What other words fit the "OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH" theme? |
| 🟦 Blue | APRIL SHOWERS, LIQUID SUNSHINE | What other words fit the "EXPRESSIONS FOR RAIN" theme? |
| 🟪 Purple | CARAPACE, GAS STATION | What other words fit the "WHAT "SHELL" MIGHT REFER TO" theme? |
✅ Full Answers — NYT Connections Today, July 26, 2026 (Puzzle #1141)
Here are the complete NYT Connections answers for today, Sunday, July 26, 2026. Puzzle #1141 is fully solved below.
🟨 Yellow — BABY MILESTONES
🟩 Green — OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH
🟦 Blue — EXPRESSIONS FOR RAIN
🟪 Purple — WHAT "SHELL" MIGHT REFER TO
🔍 Per-Word Explanations — Every Answer Defined
Let's dive deep into every word in today's Connections Puzzle #1141 — what each word means, why it belongs to its group, and how the puzzle uses it.
🟨 Yellow (Easiest) — BABY MILESTONES
The easiest category is "BABY MILESTONES". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
CRAWLING
CRAWLING is one of the four words in the "BABY MILESTONES" category. While CRAWLING has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "BABY MILESTONES".
FIRST WORDS
FIRST WORDS is one of the four words in the "BABY MILESTONES" category. While FIRST WORDS has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "BABY MILESTONES".
ROLLING OVER
ROLLING OVER is one of the four words in the "BABY MILESTONES" category. While ROLLING OVER has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "BABY MILESTONES".
SOLID FOOD
SOLID FOOD is one of the four words in the "BABY MILESTONES" category. While SOLID FOOD has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "BABY MILESTONES".
🟩 Green (Medium) — OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH
The medium category is "OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
BLACKBERRY
BLACKBERRY is one of the four words in the "OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH" category. While BLACKBERRY has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH".
DISCMAN
DISCMAN is one of the four words in the "OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH" category. While DISCMAN has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH".
DVD PLAYER
DVD PLAYER is one of the four words in the "OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH" category. While DVD PLAYER has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH".
PLASMA TV
PLASMA TV is one of the four words in the "OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH" category. While PLASMA TV has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH".
🟦 Blue (Hard) — EXPRESSIONS FOR RAIN
The hard category is "EXPRESSIONS FOR RAIN". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
APRIL SHOWERS
APRIL SHOWERS is one of the four words in the "EXPRESSIONS FOR RAIN" category. While APRIL SHOWERS has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "EXPRESSIONS FOR RAIN".
LIQUID SUNSHINE
LIQUID SUNSHINE is one of the four words in the "EXPRESSIONS FOR RAIN" category. While LIQUID SUNSHINE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "EXPRESSIONS FOR RAIN".
SCOTCH MIST
SCOTCH MIST is one of the four words in the "EXPRESSIONS FOR RAIN" category. While SCOTCH MIST has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "EXPRESSIONS FOR RAIN".
WET WEATHER
WET WEATHER is one of the four words in the "EXPRESSIONS FOR RAIN" category. While WET WEATHER has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "EXPRESSIONS FOR RAIN".
🟪 Purple (Hardest) — WHAT "SHELL" MIGHT REFER TO
The hardest category is "WHAT "SHELL" MIGHT REFER TO". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
CARAPACE
CARAPACE is one of the four words in the "WHAT "SHELL" MIGHT REFER TO" category. While CARAPACE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "WHAT "SHELL" MIGHT REFER TO".
GAS STATION
GAS STATION is one of the four words in the "WHAT "SHELL" MIGHT REFER TO" category. While GAS STATION has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "WHAT "SHELL" MIGHT REFER TO".
PASTRY CRUST
PASTRY CRUST is one of the four words in the "WHAT "SHELL" MIGHT REFER TO" category. While PASTRY CRUST has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "WHAT "SHELL" MIGHT REFER TO".
ROWING BOAT
ROWING BOAT is one of the four words in the "WHAT "SHELL" MIGHT REFER TO" category. While ROWING BOAT has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "WHAT "SHELL" MIGHT REFER TO".
📊 Difficulty Analysis & Strategy Tips
| Group | Difficulty | Solve Order |
|---|---|---|
| 🟨 Yellow — BABY MILESTONES | ⭐ Easy | Solve FIRST — the easiest category |
| 🟩 Green — OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH | ⭐⭐ Medium | Solve SECOND |
| 🟦 Blue — EXPRESSIONS FOR RAIN | ⭐⭐⭐ Hard | Solve THIRD |
| 🟪 Purple — WHAT "SHELL" MIGHT REFER TO | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Hard | Solve LAST or by elimination |
🎯 Pro Strategy for Puzzle #1141
Start by locking in BABY MILESTONES (Yellow) first, as its terms are distinct and leave little room for ambiguity. Next, look for retro hardware to isolate OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH (Green)—just remember that "Blackberry" belongs here! Once those are set, separate the weather idioms (EXPRESSIONS FOR RAIN) from the wordplay nouns to solve the puzzle cleanly without burning through your allowed mistakes.
🎮 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 #1144
- 🟨 FASTENERS: NAIL, RIVET, SCREW, STAPLE
- 🟩 NONDESCRIPT: BASIC, MID, PLAIN, VANILLA
- 🟦 UNITS OF WISDOM: GEM, NUGGET, PEARL, WORD
- 🟪 ____BOARDS IN A CLASSROOM: BLACK, CHALK, CORK, WHITE
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Connections July 26, 2026
The answers for NYT Connections Puzzle #1141 (July 26, 2026) are: 🟨 Yellow (BABY MILESTONES): CRAWLING, FIRST WORDS, ROLLING OVER, SOLID FOOD | 🟩 Green (OUTMODED CONSUMER TECH): BLACKBERRY, DISCMAN, DVD PLAYER, PLASMA TV | 🟦 Blue (EXPRESSIONS FOR RAIN): APRIL SHOWERS, LIQUID SUNSHINE, SCOTCH MIST, WET WEATHER | 🟪 Purple (WHAT "SHELL" MIGHT REFER TO): CARAPACE, GAS STATION, PASTRY CRUST, ROWING BOAT.
The yellow category in today's Connections (July 26, 2026) is "BABY MILESTONES" and the four answers are CRAWLING, FIRST WORDS, ROLLING OVER, SOLID FOOD.
The purple category in today's Connections (July 26, 2026) is "WHAT "SHELL" MIGHT REFER TO" and the answers are CARAPACE, GAS STATION, PASTRY CRUST, ROWING BOAT.
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 July 26, 2026, there have been 1,141 NYT Connections puzzles since the game launched on June 12, 2023.
🏆 That's Today's NYT Connections Solved — Puzzle #1141
Come back tomorrow for Puzzle #1142 — 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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