NYT Connections Hints and Answers — Thursday, May 7, 2026 (Puzzle #1061)
Written by Ranjit Kumar — Lead Editor & Puzzle Architect
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🧩 NYT Connections Answers Today — May 7, 2026 (Puzzle #1061)
Here are the complete answers for today's NYT Connections puzzle, Thursday, May 7, 2026:
- 🟨 Yellow – Fishing Gear: FLY, HOOK, LINE, NET
- 🟩 Green – Multitude: DROVE, HOST, MASS, PACK
- 🟦 Blue – Commit a Basketball Infraction: CARRY, DOUBLE-DRIBBLE, GOALTEND, TRAVEL
- 🟪 Purple – Controlled With Up/Down Buttons: CAR WINDOW, CHANNEL, ELEVATOR, VOLUME
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 Thursday, May 7, 2026. If you're stuck on Puzzle #1061, 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 #1061
- Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
- Puzzle Number: #1061
- Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐ (Medium)
- Trickiest Category: Purple — Controlled With Up/Down Buttons
- Easiest Category: Yellow — Fishing Gear
📖 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 — May 7, 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.
TRAVEL Connections Hint Today
TRAVEL belongs to the Blue group ("Commit a Basketball Infraction"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Commit a Basketball Infraction".
Definition: TRAVEL is one of the four words in the "Commit a Basketball Infraction" category. While TRAVEL has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Commit a Basketball Infraction".
ELEVATOR Connections Hint Today
ELEVATOR belongs to the Purple group ("Controlled With Up/Down Buttons"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Controlled With Up/Down Buttons".
Definition: ELEVATOR is one of the four words in the "Controlled With Up/Down Buttons" category. While ELEVATOR has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Controlled With Up/Down Buttons".
VOLUME Connections Hint Today
VOLUME belongs to the Purple group ("Controlled With Up/Down Buttons"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Controlled With Up/Down Buttons".
Definition: VOLUME is one of the four words in the "Controlled With Up/Down Buttons" category. While VOLUME has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Controlled With Up/Down Buttons".
CAR WINDOW Connections Hint Today
CAR WINDOW belongs to the Purple group ("Controlled With Up/Down Buttons"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Controlled With Up/Down Buttons".
Definition: CAR WINDOW is one of the four words in the "Controlled With Up/Down Buttons" category. While CAR WINDOW has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Controlled With Up/Down Buttons".
CARRY Connections Hint Today
CARRY belongs to the Blue group ("Commit a Basketball Infraction"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Commit a Basketball Infraction".
Definition: CARRY is one of the four words in the "Commit a Basketball Infraction" category. While CARRY has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Commit a Basketball Infraction".
CHANNEL Connections Hint Today
CHANNEL belongs to the Purple group ("Controlled With Up/Down Buttons"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Controlled With Up/Down Buttons".
Definition: CHANNEL is one of the four words in the "Controlled With Up/Down Buttons" category. While CHANNEL has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Controlled With Up/Down Buttons".
MASS Connections Hint Today
MASS belongs to the Green group ("Multitude"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Multitude".
Definition: MASS is one of the four words in the "Multitude" category. While MASS has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Multitude".
HOOK Connections Hint Today
HOOK belongs to the Yellow 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".
PACK Connections Hint Today
PACK belongs to the Green group ("Multitude"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Multitude".
Definition: PACK is one of the four words in the "Multitude" category. While PACK has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Multitude".
NET Connections Hint Today
NET belongs to the Yellow 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".
GOALTEND Connections Hint Today
GOALTEND belongs to the Blue group ("Commit a Basketball Infraction"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Commit a Basketball Infraction".
Definition: GOALTEND is one of the four words in the "Commit a Basketball Infraction" category. While GOALTEND has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Commit a Basketball Infraction".
LINE Connections Hint Today
LINE belongs to the Yellow 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: LINE is one of the four words in the "Fishing Gear" category. While LINE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Fishing Gear".
DROVE Connections Hint Today
DROVE belongs to the Green group ("Multitude"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Multitude".
Definition: DROVE is one of the four words in the "Multitude" category. While DROVE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Multitude".
DOUBLE-DRIBBLE Connections Hint Today
DOUBLE-DRIBBLE belongs to the Blue group ("Commit a Basketball Infraction"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Commit a Basketball Infraction".
Definition: DOUBLE-DRIBBLE is one of the four words in the "Commit a Basketball Infraction" category. While DOUBLE-DRIBBLE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Commit a Basketball Infraction".
HOST Connections Hint Today
HOST belongs to the Green group ("Multitude"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Multitude".
Definition: HOST is one of the four words in the "Multitude" category. While HOST has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Multitude".
FLY Connections Hint Today
FLY belongs to the Yellow 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: FLY is one of the four words in the "Fishing Gear" category. While FLY has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Fishing Gear".
TRAVEL belongs to the Blue group ("Commit a Basketball Infraction"). Don't let its everyday meaning mislead you — in today's puzzle, think about how it connects to the theme of "Commit a Basketball Infraction".
💡 Spoiler-Free Hints — NYT Connections May 7, 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 "Fishing Gear" — 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 "Multitude" — 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 "Commit a Basketball Infraction" — 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 "Controlled With Up/Down Buttons" — 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 "Fishing Gear" — 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 "Multitude" — 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 "Commit a Basketball Infraction" — 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 "Controlled With Up/Down Buttons" — 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 FLY and DROVE might seem related at first glance, but they belong to completely different categories. FLY is part of "Fishing Gear" while DROVE belongs to "Multitude". Don't group them together.
Words like FLY and CARRY might seem related at first glance, but they belong to completely different categories. FLY is part of "Fishing Gear" while CARRY belongs to "Commit a Basketball Infraction". Don't group them together.
Words like FLY and CAR WINDOW might seem related at first glance, but they belong to completely different categories. FLY is part of "Fishing Gear" while CAR WINDOW belongs to "Controlled With Up/Down Buttons". 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
FISHING GEAR
🟩 Green
MULTITUDE
🟦 Blue
COMMIT A BASKETBALL INFRACTION
🟪 Purple
CONTROLLED WITH UP/DOWN BUTTONS
🔥 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 | FLY, HOOK | What other words fit the "Fishing Gear" theme? |
| 🟩 Green | DROVE, HOST | What other words fit the "Multitude" theme? |
| 🟦 Blue | CARRY, DOUBLE-DRIBBLE | What other words fit the "Commit a Basketball Infraction" theme? |
| 🟪 Purple | CAR WINDOW, CHANNEL | What other words fit the "Controlled With Up/Down Buttons" theme? |
✅ Full Answers — NYT Connections Today, May 7, 2026 (Puzzle #1061)
Here are the complete NYT Connections answers for today, Thursday, May 7, 2026. Puzzle #1061 is fully solved below.
🟨 Yellow — Fishing Gear
🟩 Green — Multitude
🟦 Blue — Commit a Basketball Infraction
🟪 Purple — Controlled With Up/Down Buttons
🔍 Per-Word Explanations — Every Answer Defined
Let's dive deep into every word in today's Connections Puzzle #1061 — what each word means, why it belongs to its group, and how the puzzle uses it.
🟨 Yellow (Easiest) — Fishing Gear
The easiest category is "Fishing Gear". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
FLY
FLY is one of the four words in the "Fishing Gear" category. While FLY 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".
LINE
LINE is one of the four words in the "Fishing Gear" category. While LINE 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".
🟩 Green (Medium) — Multitude
The medium category is "Multitude". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
DROVE
DROVE is one of the four words in the "Multitude" category. While DROVE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Multitude".
HOST
HOST is one of the four words in the "Multitude" category. While HOST has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Multitude".
MASS
MASS is one of the four words in the "Multitude" category. While MASS has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Multitude".
PACK
PACK is one of the four words in the "Multitude" category. While PACK has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Multitude".
🟦 Blue (Hard) — Commit a Basketball Infraction
The hard category is "Commit a Basketball Infraction". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
CARRY
CARRY is one of the four words in the "Commit a Basketball Infraction" category. While CARRY has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Commit a Basketball Infraction".
DOUBLE-DRIBBLE
DOUBLE-DRIBBLE is one of the four words in the "Commit a Basketball Infraction" category. While DOUBLE-DRIBBLE has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Commit a Basketball Infraction".
GOALTEND
GOALTEND is one of the four words in the "Commit a Basketball Infraction" category. While GOALTEND has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Commit a Basketball Infraction".
TRAVEL
TRAVEL is one of the four words in the "Commit a Basketball Infraction" category. While TRAVEL has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Commit a Basketball Infraction".
🟪 Purple (Hardest) — Controlled With Up/Down Buttons
The hardest category is "Controlled With Up/Down Buttons". Here's what each word means and why it belongs:
CAR WINDOW
CAR WINDOW is one of the four words in the "Controlled With Up/Down Buttons" category. While CAR WINDOW has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Controlled With Up/Down Buttons".
CHANNEL
CHANNEL is one of the four words in the "Controlled With Up/Down Buttons" category. While CHANNEL has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Controlled With Up/Down Buttons".
ELEVATOR
ELEVATOR is one of the four words in the "Controlled With Up/Down Buttons" category. While ELEVATOR has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Controlled With Up/Down Buttons".
VOLUME
VOLUME is one of the four words in the "Controlled With Up/Down Buttons" category. While VOLUME has many common meanings, in this Connections puzzle it specifically relates to the concept of "Controlled With Up/Down Buttons".
📊 Difficulty Analysis & Strategy Tips
| Group | Difficulty | Solve Order |
|---|---|---|
| 🟨 Yellow — Fishing Gear | ⭐ Easy | Solve FIRST — the easiest category |
| 🟩 Green — Multitude | ⭐⭐ Medium | Solve SECOND |
| 🟦 Blue — Commit a Basketball Infraction | ⭐⭐⭐ Hard | Solve THIRD |
| 🟪 Purple — Controlled With Up/Down Buttons | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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 #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 May 7, 2026
The answers for NYT Connections Puzzle #1061 (May 7, 2026) are: 🟨 Yellow (Fishing Gear): FLY, HOOK, LINE, NET | 🟩 Green (Multitude): DROVE, HOST, MASS, PACK | 🟦 Blue (Commit a Basketball Infraction): CARRY, DOUBLE-DRIBBLE, GOALTEND, TRAVEL | 🟪 Purple (Controlled With Up/Down Buttons): CAR WINDOW, CHANNEL, ELEVATOR, VOLUME.
The yellow category in today's Connections (May 7, 2026) is "Fishing Gear" and the four answers are FLY, HOOK, LINE, NET.
The purple category in today's Connections (May 7, 2026) is "Controlled With Up/Down Buttons" and the answers are CAR WINDOW, CHANNEL, ELEVATOR, VOLUME.
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 May 7, 2026, there have been 1,061 NYT Connections puzzles since the game launched on June 12, 2023.
🏆 That's Today's NYT Connections Solved — Puzzle #1061
Come back tomorrow for Puzzle #1062 — 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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