NYT Connections Hints and Answers — Tuesday, April 28, 2026 (Puzzle #1052)
Written by Ranjit Kumar — Lead Editor & Puzzle Architect
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🧩 NYT Connections Answers Today — April 28, 2026 (Puzzle #1052)
Here are the complete answers for today's NYT Connections puzzle, Tuesday, April 28, 2026:
- 🟨 Yellow – Entreaty: APPEAL, BID, CALL, REQUEST
- 🟩 Green – Laundry verbs: DRY, FOLD, SORT, WASH
- 🟦 Blue – Things that come in books: CHECK, COUPON, MATCH, STAMP
- 🟪 Purple – “SUN___” words: DIAL, FLOWER, SCREEN, TAN
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 28, 2026. If you're stuck on Puzzle #1052, 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 #1052
- Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026
- Puzzle Number: #1052
- Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐ (Medium)
- Trickiest Category: Purple — “SUN___” words
- Easiest Category: Yellow — Entreaty
📖 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 28, 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.
BID Connections Hint Today
BID belongs to the Yellow group ("Entreaty"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Entreaty".
Definition: BID is one of the four words in the "Entreaty" category. While BID has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Entreaty".
SORT Connections Hint Today
SORT belongs to the Green group ("Laundry verbs"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Laundry verbs".
Definition: SORT is one of the four words in the "Laundry verbs" category. While SORT has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Laundry verbs".
COUPON Connections Hint Today
COUPON belongs to the Blue group ("Things that come in books"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Things that come in books".
Definition: COUPON is one of the four words in the "Things that come in books" category. While COUPON has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Things that come in books".
CALL Connections Hint Today
CALL belongs to the Yellow group ("Entreaty"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Entreaty".
Definition: CALL is one of the four words in the "Entreaty" category. While CALL has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Entreaty".
TAN Connections Hint Today
TAN belongs to the Purple group ("“SUN___” words"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "“SUN___” words".
Definition: TAN is one of the four words in the "“SUN___” words" category. While TAN has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "“SUN___” words".
DRY Connections Hint Today
DRY belongs to the Green group ("Laundry verbs"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Laundry verbs".
Definition: DRY is one of the four words in the "Laundry verbs" category. While DRY has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Laundry verbs".
STAMP Connections Hint Today
STAMP belongs to the Blue group ("Things that come in books"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Things that come in books".
Definition: STAMP is one of the four words in the "Things that come in books" category. While STAMP has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Things that come in books".
MATCH Connections Hint Today
MATCH belongs to the Blue group ("Things that come in books"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Things that come in books".
Definition: MATCH is one of the four words in the "Things that come in books" category. While MATCH has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Things that come in books".
REQUEST Connections Hint Today
REQUEST belongs to the Yellow group ("Entreaty"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Entreaty".
Definition: REQUEST is one of the four words in the "Entreaty" category. While REQUEST has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Entreaty".
APPEAL Connections Hint Today
APPEAL belongs to the Yellow group ("Entreaty"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Entreaty".
Definition: APPEAL is one of the four words in the "Entreaty" category. While APPEAL has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Entreaty".
FLOWER Connections Hint Today
FLOWER belongs to the Purple group ("“SUN___” words"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "“SUN___” words".
Definition: FLOWER is one of the four words in the "“SUN___” words" category. While FLOWER has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "“SUN___” words".
SCREEN Connections Hint Today
SCREEN belongs to the Purple group ("“SUN___” words"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "“SUN___” words".
Definition: SCREEN is one of the four words in the "“SUN___” words" category. While SCREEN has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "“SUN___” words".
DIAL Connections Hint Today
DIAL belongs to the Purple group ("“SUN___” words"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "“SUN___” words".
Definition: DIAL is one of the four words in the "“SUN___” words" category. While DIAL has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "“SUN___” words".
WASH Connections Hint Today
WASH belongs to the Green group ("Laundry verbs"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Laundry verbs".
Definition: WASH is one of the four words in the "Laundry verbs" category. While WASH has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Laundry verbs".
CHECK Connections Hint Today
CHECK belongs to the Blue group ("Things that come in books"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Things that come in books".
Definition: CHECK is one of the four words in the "Things that come in books" category. While CHECK has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Things that come in books".
FOLD Connections Hint Today
FOLD belongs to the Green group ("Laundry verbs"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Laundry verbs".
Definition: FOLD is one of the four words in the "Laundry verbs" category. While FOLD has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Laundry verbs".
BID belongs to the Yellow group ("Entreaty"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Entreaty".
💡 Spoiler-Free Hints — NYT Connections April 28, 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 "Entreaty" — 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 "Laundry verbs" — 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 "Things that come in books" — 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 "“SUN___” words" — 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 "Entreaty" — 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 "Laundry verbs" — 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 "Things that come in books" — 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 "“SUN___” words" — 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 APPEAL and DRY might seem related at first glance, but they belong to completely different categories. APPEAL is part of "Entreaty" while DRY belongs to "Laundry verbs". Don't group them together.
Words like APPEAL and CHECK might seem related at first glance, but they belong to completely different categories. APPEAL is part of "Entreaty" while CHECK belongs to "Things that come in books". Don't group them together.
Words like APPEAL and DIAL might seem related at first glance, but they belong to completely different categories. APPEAL is part of "Entreaty" while DIAL belongs to "“SUN___” words". 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
ENTREATY
🟩 Green
LAUNDRY VERBS
🟦 Blue
THINGS THAT COME IN BOOKS
🟪 Purple
“SUN___” WORDS
🔥 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 | APPEAL, BID | What other words fit the "Entreaty" theme? |
| 🟩 Green | DRY, FOLD | What other words fit the "Laundry verbs" theme? |
| 🟦 Blue | CHECK, COUPON | What other words fit the "Things that come in books" theme? |
| 🟪 Purple | DIAL, FLOWER | What other words fit the "“SUN___” words" theme? |
✅ Full Answers — NYT Connections Today, April 28, 2026 (Puzzle #1052)
Here are the complete NYT Connections answers for today, Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Puzzle #1052 is fully solved below.
🟨 Yellow — Entreaty
🟩 Green — Laundry verbs
🟦 Blue — Things that come in books
🟪 Purple — “SUN___” words
🔍 Per-Word Explanations — Every Answer Defined
Let's dive deep into every word in today's Connections Puzzle #1052 — what each word means, why it belongs to its group, and how the puzzle uses it.
🟨 Yellow (Easiest) — Entreaty
The easiest category is "Entreaty". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
APPEAL
APPEAL is one of the four words in the "Entreaty" category. While APPEAL has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Entreaty".
BID
BID is one of the four words in the "Entreaty" category. While BID has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Entreaty".
CALL
CALL is one of the four words in the "Entreaty" category. While CALL has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Entreaty".
REQUEST
REQUEST is one of the four words in the "Entreaty" category. While REQUEST has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Entreaty".
🟩 Green (Medium) — Laundry verbs
The medium category is "Laundry verbs". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
DRY
DRY is one of the four words in the "Laundry verbs" category. While DRY has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Laundry verbs".
FOLD
FOLD is one of the four words in the "Laundry verbs" category. While FOLD has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Laundry verbs".
SORT
SORT is one of the four words in the "Laundry verbs" category. While SORT has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Laundry verbs".
WASH
WASH is one of the four words in the "Laundry verbs" category. While WASH has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Laundry verbs".
🟦 Blue (Hard) — Things that come in books
The hard category is "Things that come in books". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
CHECK
CHECK is one of the four words in the "Things that come in books" category. While CHECK has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Things that come in books".
COUPON
COUPON is one of the four words in the "Things that come in books" category. While COUPON has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Things that come in books".
MATCH
MATCH is one of the four words in the "Things that come in books" category. While MATCH has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Things that come in books".
STAMP
STAMP is one of the four words in the "Things that come in books" category. While STAMP has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Things that come in books".
🟪 Purple (Hardest) — “SUN___” words
The hardest category is "“SUN___” words". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
DIAL
DIAL is one of the four words in the "“SUN___” words" category. While DIAL has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "“SUN___” words".
FLOWER
FLOWER is one of the four words in the "“SUN___” words" category. While FLOWER has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "“SUN___” words".
SCREEN
SCREEN is one of the four words in the "“SUN___” words" category. While SCREEN has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "“SUN___” words".
TAN
TAN is one of the four words in the "“SUN___” words" category. While TAN has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "“SUN___” words".
📊 Difficulty Analysis & Strategy Tips
| Group | Difficulty | Solve Order |
|---|---|---|
| 🟨 Yellow — Entreaty | ⭐ Easy | Solve FIRST — the easiest category |
| 🟩 Green — Laundry verbs | ⭐⭐ Medium | Solve SECOND |
| 🟦 Blue — Things that come in books | ⭐⭐⭐ Hard | Solve THIRD |
| 🟪 Purple — “SUN___” words | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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 28, 2026
The answers for NYT Connections Puzzle #1052 (April 28, 2026) are: 🟨 Yellow (Entreaty): APPEAL, BID, CALL, REQUEST | 🟩 Green (Laundry verbs): DRY, FOLD, SORT, WASH | 🟦 Blue (Things that come in books): CHECK, COUPON, MATCH, STAMP | 🟪 Purple (“SUN___” words): DIAL, FLOWER, SCREEN, TAN.
The yellow category in today's Connections (April 28, 2026) is "Entreaty" and the four answers are APPEAL, BID, CALL, REQUEST.
The purple category in today's Connections (April 28, 2026) is "“SUN___” words" and the answers are DIAL, FLOWER, SCREEN, TAN.
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 28, 2026, there have been 1,052 NYT Connections puzzles since the game launched on June 12, 2023.
🏆 That's Today's NYT Connections Solved — Puzzle #1052
Come back tomorrow for Puzzle #1053 — 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.