Need help solving today’s NYT Connections puzzle? You’ve landed on the right page. As you scroll down, you’ll see some general hints at first, in case you just want to be nudged in the right direction. If that doesn’t help, we’ll give you a word from each category. Hanging on to your final attempt and don’t want to risk losing your streak? The answers are waiting for you at the end. So, without further ado, here are all the hints, clues, and answers for today’s NYT Connections (#1036, April 12, 2026)
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In This Article
What is Connections?
Connections is a daily puzzle game from the New York Times. You can play it on your mobile or PC by clicking this link. The aim of the puzzle is pretty straightforward – you are supposed to find 4 groups of 4 words with common themes. These groups are arranged in 4 levels of difficulty: Yellow (Easiest), Green, Blue, and Purple (Toughest). While this may seem simple, the puzzle often has some red herrings that can catch you off guard. Oftentimes, the Purple category can be a headscratcher with themes that may have something to do with the nomenclature rather than the meaning of the words. You never really know for sure what’s coming your way, and that’s what keeps Connections fresh!
First, let’s take a look at today’s grid
- FLY
- PAPER
- TAKE
- CAST
- TROLL
- PROJECT
- ANGLE
- SHED
- POSITION
- RUSSIAN
- CUFF
- RAG
- RADIATE
- STANCE
- BELT LOOP
Hints for NYT Connections (#1036) April 12, 2026
These hints do not contain any spoilers. They will nudge you in the right direction without giving away any answers.
- Yellow Group: What you’d find while putting on your pants.
- Green Group: Your view or opinion on something.
- Blue Group: Release, throw, or let go.
- Purple Group: A kind of toy.
- Extra hint: Purple category words go with another word.
One Word Per Category (Contains Spoilers)
Not able to spot any underlying themes or commonalities? We’ll help you get started. Here is one word for every group in today’s puzzle.
- Yellow Group: Belt loop.
- Green Group: Angle.
- Blue Group: Cast.
- Purple Group: Paper.
List of Themes (Major Spoilers)
If the last round of hints didn’t help, maybe it’s time to look up the themes and retrospectively find the connections.
- Yellow Group: Pants features.
- Green Group: Perspective.
- Blue Group: Emit.
- Purple Group: ____ Doll.
Answers to NYT Connections (#1036) April 12, 2026
On your last attempt, and don’t want to ruin the streak? Fine, we’ll give you the answers.
- Yellow Group: Belt loop, Cuff, Fly, Pocket (Pants features).
- Green Group: Angle, Position, Stance, Take (Perspective).
- Blue Group: Cast, Project, Radiate, Shed (Emit).
- Purple Group: Paper, Rag, Russian, Troll (____ Doll).
Answers to yesterday’s Connections puzzle
- Yellow Group: Ice Scraper, Jack, Jumper cables, Spare tire (Found in the trunk of a car).
- Green Group: Angel, Champion, Patron, Sponsor (Benefactor).
- Blue Group: Beam, Brace, Column, Strut (Structural supports).
- Purple Group: Bombay, Chelsea, Screwdriver, Snowflake (Ending in bodies of water).
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What we think
Today’s NYT Connections puzzle was rated 2 out of 5 for difficulty. Were you able to crack it without making any mistakes? Let us know in the comments!
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