All the hints and answers to NYT Connections #1,076 today (May 22, 2026)

Utkarsh Joshi
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All the hints and answers to NYT Connections #1,076 today (May 22, 2026)
Today’s Connections puzzle isn’t as unforgiving as the ones we’ve seen this month. But there is one red herring that may trip you up. If you like to stay on the side of caution, we’ll get you started with some general, spoiler-free hints. Then, we’ll reveal one word from each category, followed by the list of themes. Finally, you can have the answers. So, without further ado, here are all the hints, clues, and answers you need for today’s NYT Connections (#1,076, May 22, 2026). Read Also: Oppo Find X9 Ultra, Oppo Find X9s India launch today: Here is what to expect

What is Connections?

After Wordle, Connections is the New York Times’ most popular word game. The rules are simple. You need to find words with a common theme and group them into 4 groups of 4. The 16-word grid is designed with an increasing level of difficulty. The Yellow group is the easiest to spot, followed by Green, Blue, and Purple. The misdirects and red herrings can trip you up, but they also make the puzzle more fun. You can play the game in the NYT Games app or on the NYT website.

Some tips to solve Connections

Look for the obvious patterns: Not every category in the puzzle is confusing. The Yellow and Green category words are relatively easy to spot. However, if something seems too obvious, it could be a red herring. Typically, the first two categories comprise verbs and adjectives. The misdirects are often nouns. Double-check your submissions: ‘Do not overthink’ is usually a good tip for solving most puzzles, but it doesn’t really apply to Connections. Before submitting a set of words, you should always check whether they fit somewhere else too. Hit a dead end? Use the shuffle button: The shuffle button at the bottom of the grid exists for a reason. Placing the words in different positions can spark new connections. Think of it as a mental refresh. New patterns will emerge, and you may be able to find a breakthrough. Tackle the Purple category with extra caution: The Connections team is known to serve up the toughest and most unexpected words for the Purple category. Here are some of the common tropes that you should look out for:
  • Homophones (For example: ‘Where’, ‘Wear’, ‘Ware’, and ‘Weir’)
  • Words within words (For example: ‘Slip’, ‘Hear’, ‘Keyes’, and ‘Undiagnosed’ could be ‘Words containing parts of the face’)
  • Words minus a letter (For example: ‘Anther’, ‘Easel’, ‘Hark’, and ‘Lama’ could be ‘Animals minus starting letter’)
  • Words preceded or followed by another word (For example: ‘Face’, ‘Sports’, ‘Note’, and ‘Year’ could be ‘____ Book’)

Here’s your grid for today

Here’s your grid for today
  • LOOSEY-GOOSEY
  • CONVENTION
  • CHECK IN
  • BAGGAGE CLAIM
  • CARRY-ON
  • CUSTOM
  • CHECKOUT LATE
  • FOLLOW UP
  • ASSEMBLY LINE
  • EL NIÑO
  • SOCIAL NORM
  • TOUCH BASE
  • REVOLVING SUSHI BAR
  • UNWRITTEN RULE
  • RECONNECT
  • TAILOR-MADE

Hints for NYT Connections (#1,076) May 22, 2026

Let’s get you started with some general, spoiler-free hints.
  • 🟡Yellow Group: Get in touch at a later time.
  • 🟢Green Group: Official or unofficial guidelines for doing something.
  • 🔵Blue Group: Things moving forward automatically.
  • 🟣Purple Group: Sounds like a person.

One Word Per Category (Contains Spoilers)

Can’t seem to find an in? We’ll give you one word from each category.
  • 🟡Yellow Group: Check In.
  • 🟢Green Group: Convention.
  • 🔵Blue Group: Assembly Line.
  • 🟣Purple Group: Carry-On.

List of Themes (Major Spoilers)

Maybe getting to know the common themes among the words will help you spot them faster. Here are all the categories for today.
  • 🟡Yellow Group: Reach Back Out.
  • 🟢Green Group: The Way Things Are Done.
  • 🔵Blue Group: Places With Conveyor Belts.
  • 🟣Purple Group: Starting With Name Homophones.

Answers to NYT Connections (#1,076) Today (May 22, 2026)

Close to waving the white flag? Fine, we’ll give you the answers.
  • 🟡Yellow Group: Check In, Follow Up, Reconnect, Touch Base. (Reach Back Out)
A pretty straightforward connection befitting a Yellow group. ‘Check In’ is the only misdirect here, as it goes with other airport-themed words as well.
  • 🟢Green Group: Convention, Custom, Social Norm, Unwritten Rule. (The Way Things Are Done)
This one didn’t require much thinking either. ‘Custom’ was the airport-themed misdirect.
  • 🔵Blue Group: Assembly Line, Baggage Claim, Checkout Lane, Revolving Sushi Bar. (Places With Conveyor Belts)
‘Baggage Claim’ continued the airport-themed misdirect into the Blue group, but the other entries made it easier to solve.
  • 🟣Purple Group: Carry-On, El Nino, Loosey-Goosey, Tailor-Made (Starting With Name Homophones)
Easily the toughest category to crack in today’s puzzle. If you didn’t get it, the first word of each entry sounds like a name: Carey, Elle, Lucy, and Taylor.

Answers to yesterday’s puzzle (#1,075, May 21, 2026)

  • 🟡Yellow Group: Chess, Pecan, Pumpkin, Shoofly. (Kinds of Pies)
  • 🟢Green Group: Caboose, Can, Moon, Peach. (Things Associated with Butts)
  • 🔵Blue Group: Advantage, Deuce, Forty, Love. (Tennis Scoring Terms)
  • 🟣Purple Group: Colonel, Honey, Hot, Yellow. (___ Mustard)

Answers to NYT Connections #1,074 (May 20, 2026)

  • 🟡Yellow Group: High, Medium, Off, Simmer. (Stove Knob Settings)
  • 🟢Green Group: Concentration, Force, Intensity, Might. (Potency)
  • 🔵Blue Group: Interval, Key, Mode, Scale. (Music Theory Concepts)
  • 🟣Purple Group: Groundhog, Independence, Training, The Longest (“___ Day” Movies)

Answers to NYT Connections #1,073 (May 19, 2026)

  • 🟡Yellow Group: Babble, Cry, Nurse, Teethe. (Things Babies Do)
  • 🟢Green Group: Alter, Cook, Doctor, Fudge. (Modify Deceptively)
  • 🔵Blue Group: Blubber, Deenie, Forever, Superfudge. (Judy Blume Books)
  • 🟣Purple Group: Founder, Salon, Surgeon, Trot. (Fish Minus A Letter)
Read Also: Unleash Your Creativity with Mini LED Monitor’s Vibrant Colours

How did other solvers do today?

NYT’s early testers rated today’s Connection puzzle 1.8 out of 5. This puts it in the easy difficulty level. Let us know how you fared in the comments!

HMD Vibe 2 5G with 50-megapixel primary rear camera launched in India

Komila Singh
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HMD Vibe 2 5G with 50-megapixel primary rear camera launched in India
HMD Global has officially released Vibe 2 5G in India. The smartphone has a 6.7-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate for a pleasant visual experience. It is powered by an octa-core CPU and 4GB of RAM. Camera-wise, there’s a 50-megapixel main back camera with an LED flash. The Vibe 2 5G also has a massive 6,000mAh battery with 18W wired charging capabilities.

Price in India, Availability

HMD has announced that Vibe 2 will be available for purchase on Flipkart starting at noon on May 26. The smartphone will be available in three stunning colours: Cosmic Lavender, Nordic Blue and Peach Pink. The gadget will be offered in two configurations: one with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, priced at ₹10,999, and another with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, priced at ₹11,999. Using eligible bank cards may lead to savings of up to ₹9,499.

Specifications, Features

HMD Vibe 2 5G with 50-megapixel primary rear camera launched in India HMD Vibe 2 5G features an IP64 rating for dust and splash resistance, with dimensions measuring 168 × 77.7 × 8.6 mm, making it both stylish and durable. The HMD Vibe 2 5G is a smartphone that has been developed with both looks and functionality in mind. It is also IP64 rated, so it is splash- and dust-resistant, which makes it durable. The gadget measures 168 x 77.7 × 8.6 mm, giving a sleek profile. Also Read: Oppo Find X9s with a 7,025mAh battery and 50-megapixel Hasselblad cameras arrived in India The HMD Vibe 2 5G offers a large 6.745-inch HD+ IPS display. The display provides a vivid visual experience with its 720 × 1600 resolution. It has a 120Hz refresh rate for a smoother visual flow and can go up to 500 nits of brightness. As a special launch offer, HMD also throws in one-time screen replacement protection valid for six months, offering further value and peace of mind for potential customers. The gadget is powered by the Android 16 operating system and offers two years of quarterly security updates. It has a fingerprint sensor on the side and a face unlock on the top. The device comes preloaded with Indus AI by Sarvam and Sanchar Saathi, which enhances the user experience. Customer care services include pick-and-drop service in more than 18,000 pincodes and access to over 200 care facilities. Also Read: Oppo Find X9 Ultra Featuring 50MP 10x Quintuple-Prism Periscope Launched In India Under the hood, the smartphone is powered by an Octa-core Unisoc T8200 CPU clocked at 2.3GHz. The device is built on a 6 nm chipset combined with an ARM Mali-G57 MC2 GPU. It scores 510,000 on the Antutu benchmark. Memory options include 4GB RAM + 64GB or 128GB internal storage, as well as 6GB RAM + 128GB storage. The device also supports extendable storage up to 512GB and comes with virtual RAM capabilities.
The gadget comes with a 50MP main camera and a CIF AI dual camera at the back, with an LED flash to help you with low-light photography. There is an 8MP front camera for selfies. Connectivity options are abundant, including 4G and 5G networks. It has two Nano SIM slots and a dedicated SD card slot for additional storage. The phone supports multiple wireless connection technologies, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth 5.0. It has GPS capabilities, including the ability to use AGPS and GLONASS for improved location accuracy. The device also has a G-sensor, a proximity sensor, and an ambient light sensor. That’s a lot of sensors. OTG support also enhances the range of external devices that can connect. These specs together offer a well-rounded user experience, highlighting the device’s capability and versatility in various connectivity and sensing applications. Also Read: Oppo Find X9 Ultra, Oppo Find X9s India launch today: Here is what to expect The gadget is powered by a robust 6000mAh Li-Polymer battery that provides a full day’s operation on a single charge. It can get a 50% charge in only 50 minutes with the supplied charger. The box includes the device, a USB Type-C cable, an 18W charger, a SIM ejector pin, a rear cover, and a pre-applied screen shield for your convenience and protection.

Oppo Find X9s with a 7,025mAh battery and Hasselblad cameras arrived in India

Komila Singh
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Oppo Find X9s with a 7,025mAh battery and Hasselblad cameras arrived in India
Oppo has upgraded its Find X9 Series in India with the introduction of the Oppo Find X9S. The fresh new mobile device will compete with the Vivo X300 FE in the same price bracket. The phone is powered by an octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 9000 series processor. It has a 6.59-inch Full-HD+ OLED display with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz. It has dust and water resistance ratings of IP66, IP68, and IP69. Furthermore, the device has three 50-megapixel cameras.

Oppo Find X9s Price in India, Availability

Oppo has released Find X9s in India, beginning at Rs 79,999 for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage model. The highest variant with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage is priced at Rs 89,999. It comes in three colours: Lavender Sky, Midnight Grey and Sunset Orange. Customers will get an immediate 10% cashback along with an extra exchange bonus up to Rs 5,000. Flexible EMI options, including 24 months’ no-interest EMI. The device is currently available for pre-orders and will go on sale on May 28. Oppo Find X9s with a 7,025mAh battery and 50-megapixel Hasselblad cameras arrived in India

Oppo Find X9s Specifications, Features

The Oppo Find X9 is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i and has IP66, IP68 and IP69 certifications for dust- and water resistance. It comes with a 6.59-inch Full-HD+ AMOLED display (1,256 x 2,760 pixels resolution) with refresh rates of up to 120 Hz and touch sampling rates of 240 Hz. The display covers 100% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut and can reach a peak brightness of 1,800 nits. It has a pixel density of 460 ppi and supports 1.07 billion colours. Also Read: Oppo Find X9 Ultra Featuring 50MP 10x Quintuple-Prism Periscope Launched In India Oppo Find X9s is a sleek dual-SIM smartphone loaded with the strength of a MediaTek Dimensity 9500s octa-core CPU for high-performance capabilities. It comes with the Immortalis G925 MC12 GPU for flawless graphics rendering and gaming performance. It boasts a substantial 12GB of LPDDR5x RAM to run apps efficiently and multitask. The Oppo Find X9s has up to 512GB of UFS 4.1 internal storage. It runs Android 16, with ColorOS 16 on top, providing a user-friendly interface and a vast array of customisation possibilities. Also Read: Oppo Find X9 Ultra, Oppo Find X9s India launch today: Here is what to expect Oppo Find X9s has a triple rear camera setup, which is optimised by Hasselblad. The primary camera is a 50-megapixel sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, and it comes with optical image stabilisation (OIS). It also has a 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera with an f/2.0 aperture and a 120-degree field-of-view. The telephoto camera is likewise 50 MP and has a periscope lens with an aperture of f/2.6. The smartphone boasts a 32-megapixel front-facing camera with an f/2.4 aperture for selfies and video calls, and can capture video up to 4K at 60 frames per second. Also Read: Garena Free Fire MAX Redeem Codes Today May 21: Claim Rare Rebel Academy Crates and Undersea Mystery Cosmetics The Oppo Find X9s boasts a large 7,025mAh battery for power management with 80W wired fast charging. Further, the smartphone comes with a host of sensors, such as proximity, ambient light, colour temperature, e-compass, accelerometer, gyroscope, laser focusing, spectral sensor and IR blaster. It also has an in-display fingerprint reader for security that further enhances user protection.

Apple Watch Sleep Apnea Notifications and AirPods Pro Hearing Test Are Now Live in India

Aasthaa Bhandari
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Apple Watch Sleep Apnea Notifications and AirPods Pro Hearing Test Are Now Live in India

Apple Watch sleep apnea notifications and the AirPods Pro clinically validated Hearing Test have officially arrived in India, turning two of the country’s most popular wearables into genuinely useful health monitoring tools. For the hundreds of millions of Indians who may be living with undiagnosed sleep apnea or gradual hearing loss, this is not just a software update. It is a meaningful shift in how everyday technology can interact with everyday health.

A Billion-Person Problem, Now on Your Wrist

Sleep apnea is one of those conditions that is both extremely common and spectacularly underdiagnosed. More than one billion people worldwide are estimated to live with it, and the vast majority have no idea. The disorder causes breathing to momentarily stop during sleep, which over time raises the risk of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and serious cardiac issues. It sounds alarming because it is, and yet most people chalk the symptoms up to tiredness or stress.

Read Also: Motorola razr fold Goes on Sale in India: Has 6,000mAh Battery, and a Price That Won’t Fold Your Wallet

Apple Watch tackles this with a new metric called Breathing Disturbances. The feature uses the watch’s accelerometer to detect tiny movements at the wrist that are linked to disruptions in normal respiratory patterns during sleep. Over a 30-day window, the watch quietly collects this data. If it spots consistent signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea, it sends a notification prompting the user to speak with a doctor.

The algorithm powering this was trained using more than 11,000 nights of sleep data and was validated in a clinical study described as unprecedented in size for sleep apnea technology. Every participant flagged by the algorithm in the validation study turned out to have at least mild sleep apnea. That is a meaningful signal, not just a marketing claim.

Users who receive a notification can export a PDF showing when sleep apnea may have occurred, three months of breathing disturbance data, and supporting information to share directly with a healthcare provider. The feature is available on Apple Watch SE (3rd generation), Apple Watch Series 9 and newer, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later. It is intended for adults aged 18 and older who have not previously been diagnosed with sleep apnea.

Your AirPods Pro Can Now Test Your Hearing

Alongside the Apple Watch update, Apple is rolling out a clinically validated Hearing Test feature for AirPods Pro users in India. Hearing loss tends to creep up on people. It worsens so gradually that many people do not notice until the damage is already significant.

The Hearing Test is based on pure-tone audiometry, the same approach used in standard clinical hearing assessments. The test takes roughly five minutes and can be done at home using AirPods Pro paired with a compatible iPhone or iPad running iOS 18 or iPadOS 18 or later. At the end of the test, users receive a clear summary including a number representing hearing loss in each ear, a classification, and personalised recommendations.

The results, which include a full audiogram, are stored securely in the Health app and can be shared with a healthcare provider for follow-up. The feature is supported on AirPods Pro 2 and later with the latest firmware. It is worth noting that while the Hearing Test is now available in India, Apple has not yet introduced its Hearing Aid functionality in the country.

Who Should Care About These Features

These two additions are particularly relevant for India, where access to regular specialist healthcare is unevenly distributed, and preventative health monitoring is still far from mainstream. A tool that nudges someone toward a doctor’s appointment before a condition becomes a crisis is genuinely valuable, especially one that arrives on a device many users are already wearing every day.

The features were confirmed by Apple’s senior vice president of Marketing, who noted that Apple Health is now accessible with important capabilities in more than 160 countries and regions globally, with India now joining the list for both sleep apnea notifications and hearing testing.

Read Also: NYT Strands Hints and Answers Today, May 20, 2026: Puzzle #808 Tells You to Slow Down

What Users Need to Do

To activate sleep apnea notifications, Apple Watch users need to wear their watch to sleep for a minimum of 10 nights within 30 days. The watch then analyses that data and delivers a notification if a pattern worth flagging is detected. For the Hearing Test, users simply navigate to the Hearing section on their compatible iPhone or iPad, launch the test with their AirPods Pro, and follow the on-screen instructions for about five minutes.

Our Take

The idea of your watch quietly keeping watch over your breathing while you sleep sounds a little sci-fi, but it is now very real and very available. These are not gimmick features buried in a menu no one opens. They address two conditions that affect massive numbers of people who genuinely do not know they have them. If even a fraction of Apple Watch and AirPods Pro users in India get flagged and then get checked by a doctor, that is a public health outcome worth celebrating, regardless of who made the hardware.

Oppo Find X9 Ultra Featuring 50MP 10x Quintuple-Prism Periscope Camera Launched In India

Komila Singh
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Oppo Find X9 Ultra Featuring 50MP 10x Quintuple-Prism Periscope Camera Launched In India
Exactly last month, the Oppo Find X9 Ultra debuted in China, and it has now hit the Indian market. This also marks the first time the “Ultra” moniker is finding its way to an OPPO flagship in the Indian market with the introduction of the gadget. It has a new 6.82-inch 144Hz QHD+ 2K LTPO OLED. The flagship is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC. Most significantly, it sports twin 200MP sensors and a 5,050mAh battery with 100W SUPERVOOC wired charging capabilities.

Oppo Find X9 Ultra Price in India, Availability

Oppo Find X9 Ultra price in India begins at Rs 1,69,999. The device is scheduled to go on sale May 30 via the company’s official website in the country. Updating…

Oppo Find X9 Ultra Specifications and Features

Oppo Find X9 Ultra Price in India, Availability

Design, Durability

The gadget is available in two colour variants – Tundra Umber and Canyon Orange. The device measures 163.16 x 76.97 x 9.10 mm and 163.16 x 76.97 x 8.65 mm, respectively. The smartphone weighs 236 g for Tundra Umber and 235 g for Canyon Orange. The device has a sleek design with symmetrical 1.4 mm bezels and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for greater durability. The OPPO Find X9 Ultra comes with excellent IP66, IP68, and IP69 certifications, making it highly resistant to water and dust incursions. It also has SGS Premium Performance 5 Stars for drop resistance, making it a robust option for regular usage.
Also Read: Oppo Find X9 Ultra, Oppo Find X9s India launch today: Here is what to expect

Display:

The smartphone has a 6.82-inch QHD+ LTPO AMOLED display that carries a resolution of 3168 x 1440 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 510 ppi. It has a refresh rate of 1-120Hz (up to 144Hz for certain gaming situations) and a peak brightness of 3600 nits, providing vivid pictures and outstanding performance under diverse lighting circumstances.

Performance:

The Find X9 Ultra is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 mobile platform based on the advanced TSMC 3nm technology and provides excellent performance. The mobile device has 12GB RAM and 512GB UFS 4.1 storage and runs ColorOS 16 based on Android 16. It also has an advanced X-axis haptic motor for a compelling user experience. Also Read: Garena Free Fire MAX Redeem Codes Today May 21: Claim Rare Rebel Academy Crates and Undersea Mystery Cosmetics

Battery, Charging and Connectivity

It is backed by a powerful 7,050mAh battery with OPPO’s Silicon-Carbon battery technology. It has numerous charging modes, including 100W SUPERVOOC wired charging, 55W USB-PD fast charging, 50W AIRVOOC wireless charging, and reverse wired and wireless charging. The smartphone has several connectivity options, such as a dual SIM, NFC, Bluetooth 6.0, USB 3.2 Gen 1, and Wi-Fi 7. It comes with four microphones for the best audio capturing and an AI LinkBoost function with the OPPO NetworkBoost chip for better network performance. Oppo Find X9 Ultra Specifications and Features Also Read: Amazon Quiz Answers Today (21 May 2026): Now win up to Rs 500 Amazon Pay Balance

Ultra Cameras:

The camera system is very versatile with two 200MP cameras, a specialised 50MP 10x quintuple-prism periscope camera and a 50MP ultra-wide camera, all adjusted with Hasselblad for better picture results. There are three telephoto options: a 200MP camera with 3x optical zoom, a 10x periscope camera and a true colour camera with multispectral sensors for better colour accuracy. The front-facing camera sports a 50MP sensor for excellent selfies. The video recording options are just as impressive, with 8K video at 30 fps and 4K video at 120 fps, as well as additional features like Dolby Vision and O-Log2 recording for improved video quality.

NYT Strands Hints Today for #809: Clues and Answers for Thursday, May 21, 2026

Aasthaa Bhandari
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NYT Strands Hints Today for #809: Clues and Answers for Thursday, May 21, 2026

If you opened your New York Times Games app this morning with a coffee in hand and complete confidence, there is a reasonable chance today’s NYT Strands puzzle #809 has already made you reconsider your word game abilities. Today’s puzzle leans into fashion, texture, and the contents of your wardrobe, and it is genuinely one of the more satisfying themes in recent memory. Whether you are here for a small nudge or the full spoiler, you are in the right place.

Today’s NYT Strands puzzle #809 hints and answers cover everything you need, from the theme and spangram to every hidden word hiding in that six-by-eight grid.

What Is NYT Strands?

Strands is a free daily word game from The New York Times. Players are presented with a grid of letters and must find hidden words that all connect to a central theme. The final challenge is finding the “spangram,” a word that spans the entire board and encapsulates the theme tying all the hidden words together. It sounds simple. It rarely is.

Unlike a standard word search, letters can connect in any direction, including diagonally, and they often twist into unexpected shapes. Every single letter on the board is used in at least one answer, which means there is no dead weight and no easy process of elimination.

Read Also: NYT Strands Hints and Answers Today, May 20, 2026: Puzzle #808 Tells You to Slow Down

How Hints Work in Strands

If you get stuck, Strands has a built-in hint system. Every time you find a valid four-letter (or longer) word that is not one of the theme answers, you earn progress toward unlocking a hint. After every three such words, a hint token lights up. Use it, and the game highlights the letters belonging to the next answer. Use a second hint on the same word and it walks you through the answer letter by letter. The catch is that every hint you use counts against your final score, so use them sparingly if bragging rights matter to you.

Previous NYT Strands Answers

Before getting into today’s puzzle, here is a quick look at recent answers for anyone catching up.

Wednesday, May 20 — Spangram: TAKEYOURTIME. Words: GENTLE, CALM, RELAXED, SLOW, PLACID, LEISURELY

Tuesday, May 19 — Spangram: HIGHERGROUND. Words: MOUND, HUMMOCK, HILL, BUTTE, SLOPE, RIDGE, KNOLL

Monday, May 18 — Spangram: CITRUS. Words: LIME, POMELO, ORANGE, TANGERINE, CLEMENTINE, KUMQUAT

Sunday, May 17 — Spangram: BOWLINGALLEY. Words: SCOREBOARD, PINS, LANES, ARCADE, BALLS, LOUNGE

Saturday, May 16 — Spangram: FRENCHBAKERY. Words: MACARON, MERINGUE, CROISSANT, ECLAIR, MOUSSE

Today’s NYT Strands Theme for Puzzle #809

The theme today is “In a material world.” If that rings a faint bell, think textiles. Think of everything hanging in your wardrobe or folded in your linen closet. This is a theme that weaves together (sorry, not sorry) some of the most recognisable fabrics on the planet.

Non-Theme Words to Unlock Hints

Before jumping straight to the answers, here are some valid four-letter words hiding in today’s grid that you can use to earn hints. These are not theme answers, but they count toward your hint tokens.

MINT, LINK, COTS, LIVE, SLOT, KNOT, LOTS, LENT, LEND

Spotting any three of these will light up a hint in the bottom left corner of your screen.

How Many Letters in Today’s Spangram?

Today’s spangram is seven letters long. It starts with the letter F in the fourth row and snakes down to the letter S in the fifth row.

NYT Strands Answers for Thursday, May 21, 2026 (Full Spoilers)

Here are all eight hidden words in today’s puzzle #809.

DENIM

SILK

VELVET

COTTON

FLEECE

WOOL

SATIN

LINEN

Every one of these is a fabric, and together they form a satisfying snapshot of the textile world, ranging from the rugged denim of your jeans to the cool smoothness of silk and the cosy warmth of fleece.

Read Also: NYT Connections Companion (#1,074) May 20, 2026: All the hints, clues, and answers today

Today’s NYT Strands Spangram

The spangram for puzzle #809 is FABRICS. It begins with the F in the fourth row and winds its way down to the S in the fifth row, threading through the board much like the subject matter itself.

How Did Today’s Puzzle Play?

Today’s Strands felt like one of those rare puzzles where the theme clicks early and then becomes enormously satisfying to work through. DENIM and WOOL tend to leap out first, being short and visually distinctive. FLEECE and VELVET required a bit more hunting, as their letters tend to sneak into unexpected corners of the grid. The spangram FABRICS, at just seven letters, was tight and well-placed. Overall, this ranks as a medium difficulty puzzle, approachable for newcomers but still rewarding for regulars.

Last Thoughts

“In a material world” is the kind of theme that Strands does best: rooted in everyday life, instantly recognisable once the penny drops, yet just tricky enough to make you work for it. The NYT Games team clearly has a knack for making the ordinary feel like a puzzle worth solving, and today’s textile theme is a perfect example of that. If this is your first Strands, do come back tomorrow. You will be hooked before the week is out.

Oppo Find X9 Ultra, Oppo Find X9s India launch today: Here is what to expect

Komila Singh
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0
Oppo Find X9 Ultra, Oppo Find X9s India launch today: Here is what to expect
OPPO is launching its flagship smartphones, the Find X9 Ultra and Find X9s, in India today. Notably, the Find X9 Ultra is OPPO’s first Ultra-branded gadget to make its debut in India. This model was recently launched in China, suggesting a global rollout plan. The Find X9s comes with a triple back-camera set and will be available globally. Additionally, OPPO has announced the e-commerce sites via which users in India could buy both flagship models, increasing access to these high-end gadgets.

How to watch the event live

The event is set for today, May 21, 2026, at 12:00 PM IST. OPPO is likely to hold an online keynote to announce two new gadgets- Oppo Find X9 Ultra and Oppo Find X9s. Viewers may watch the unveiling live on many platforms, including the official OPPO India YouTube channel. OPPO India’s official X.com (previously Twitter) and Facebook sites will also provide real-time information and live streaming, enabling attendees to closely follow the event. Also Read: Garena Free Fire MAX Redeem Codes Today May 21: Claim Rare Rebel Academy Crates and Undersea Mystery Cosmetics

Specifications and Features (Expected)

Both smartphones have already broken cover across the globe, so we know exactly what’s coming under the hood. Notably, OPPO has focused its proprietary LUMO Lab initiative in India on fine-tuning colour profiles, festive colours, and skin tones for the Indian market in both models. The OPPO Find X9 Ultra will include a quintuple-reflection periscope structure that improves the device’s optical zoom capabilities, resulting in a true 10X optical zoom combined with a 20X digital zoom inside a slim module. The gadget is likely to include a 6.82-inch QHD+ 2K LTPO OLED display with a high refresh rate of 144Hz and a peak brightness of 3,600 nits, assuring vivid visual quality. The smartphone will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC as far as performance is concerned, which bumps up its processing prowess. It will run ColorOS 16, which is based on the Android 16 platform and provides a current software experience. Also Read: Amazon Quiz Answers Today (21 May 2026): Now win up to Rs 500 Amazon Pay Balance The back camera setup is multifaceted with two 200MP cameras, a dedicated 50MP 10X Quintuple-Prism Periscope camera, and a 50MP ultra-wide camera, all tuned with Hasselblad for improved shot results. The video recording options are as strong, with 8K video at 30 fps and 4K video at 120 fps, as well as other capabilities like Dolby Vision and O-Log2 recording for better video quality. The gadget will have a big 7,050 mAh battery that offers rapid charging at 100W wired with the SUPERVOOC technology and 50W AIRVOOC wireless charging. On the other side, the OPPO Find X9s is a more affordable flagship smartphone with a thin and lightweight design, with a thickness of just 7.99mm. It will have smooth sides and a squarish camera module, giving it a contemporary look. It has a 6.59-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals.  It is powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 9500s System on a Chip (SoC) for better performance and efficiency. The camera setup will be a triple-back setup with each camera, including a 50MP sensor, being the primary, ultra-wide, and periscope-telephoto lenses. This remarkable camera array supports Dolby Vision and records 4K footage at 60fps. The OPPO Find X9s will have a huge 7,025mAh battery with 80W SUPERVOOC wired charging, but it won’t enable wireless charging, which could be a deal-breaker for some. All in all, this gadget offers plenty of high-end features and unique technologies in a very portable package. Also Read: Wordle Today, May 21, 2026 Answer: Thursday’s NYT Wordle #1797 means ‘To Share the Same Opinion’

Price in India (Expected)

OPPO is expected to reveal local pricing for its smartphones at noon. The basic variant of the OPPO Find X9s with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage is speculated to start at Rs 74,999-Rs 79,999 and will be competing in the sub-flagship segment against the likes of the Vivo X300 FE. While the OPPO Find X9 Ultra is speculated to be priced costlier, with reports claiming it would be priced between Rs 1,60,000 and Rs 1,79,999 for its top-spec model. This price point means the Find X9 Ultra is aimed at the ultra-premium market.

Garena Free Fire MAX Redeem Codes Today May 21: Claim Rare Rebel Academy Crates and Undersea Mystery Cosmetics

Komila Singh
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Garena Free Fire MAX Redeem Codes Today May 21: Claim Rare Rebel Academy Crates and Undersea Mystery Cosmetics
The South Asian mobile gaming community is now under the OB54 patch cycle as of Thursday, May 21. Looking for working redeem codes for Garena Free Fire MAX is one of the most active searches among casual gamers. These redemption codes are important and help users get premium items without paying real money by topping up diamonds. They are considered a legal and secure way to get these rewards for free, thereby improving the gaming experience by delivering useful resources at no cost. The India server has had a major impact on its competitive landscape due to recent events in the region. Aggressive rush tactics reign in ranked lobbies right now, and they rely on visual utility skins for tactical benefits. On top of that, there’s a fresh set of codes issued with highly anticipated items linked to the Eclipse Rise narrative event. Also Read: Amazon Quiz Answers Today (21 May 2026): Now win up to Rs 500 Amazon Pay Balance There is also an increased search volume of vouchers relating to the character Ray. These codes are for free-to-play players to get special goodies, including rare Gloo Wall skins, fluid grenade animations, and elite weapon cosmetics. Usually, they are locked behind high-tier paywalls of the “Chisel Dream” Booyah Pass, which speaks to the value these codes provide to gamers.

Active Garena Free Fire Max Redeem Codes for May 21

S9QK2L6VP3MR ​FFR4G3HM5YJN ​6KWMFJVMQQYG ​FZ5X1C7V9B2N ​FT4E9Y5U1I3O FK3J9H5G1F7D ​FU1I5O3P7A9S ​F7F9A3B2K6G8 ​FE2R8T6Y4U1I FF6YH3BFD7VT ​B1RK7C5ZL8YT ​4ST1ZTBZBRP9 ​BR43FMAPYEZZ ​UPQ7X5NMJ64V ​FP9O1I5U3Y2T ​FM6N1B8V3C4X ​FA3S7D5F1G9H Also Read: Wordle Today, May 21, 2026 Answer: Thursday’s NYT Wordle #1797 means ‘To Share the Same Opinion’

​Why Are Your Rewards Showing an Error?

It’s normal to have issues at the redemption portal with real-time limits in Garena’s code infrastructure. Major concerns include
  1. Redemption Limits: Developers restrict the quantity of high-value cosmetic coupons, so when the limit is reached, it says “Expired”.
  2. Profile Binds: To complete transactions successfully, player IDs must be bound to external partners such as Google or Facebook. Guest accounts will be prohibited if not linked.
  3. Server lockout codes are region-specific; thus, if you use the voucher from one region in another region, it won’t work.

Archive: Recent Garena Free Fire Max Redeem Codes

View May 20, 2026 Garena Free Fire Max codes View May 19, 2026 Garena Free Fire Max codes View May 18, 2026 Garena Free Fire Max codes View May 17, 2026 Garena Free Fire Max codes View May 16, 2026 Garena Free Fire Max codes Also Read: Amazon Quiz Answers Today (20 May 2026): Now win up to Rs 500 Amazon Pay Balance

Here is how to access the official Garena Redemption portal (step-by-step guide)

  • To redeem rewards via the Garena Rewards Redemption Site, follow these steps:
  • First, open the website in a secure tab on your mobile browser.
  • Next, connect to your social platform account (Google, Facebook, Apple ID, X, VK, or Huawei ID), since guest accounts are ineligible for item redemption.
  • After you’ve verified your identification, copy the alphanumeric code provided, enter it into the prompt box, and click Confirm.
  • When the transaction is complete, you will get a pop-up message.
  • Finally, launch the Free Fire MAX app and check your internal game inbox within 24 hours to equip your premium gear obtained via this process.

NYT Connections Guide #1,075: Hints, Clues, and Answers to Today’s Puzzle (May 21, 2026)

Utkarsh Joshi
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NYT Connections Guide #1,075: Hints, Clues, and Answers to Today’s Puzzle (May 21, 2026)
Almost done with your morning coffee, but can’t find a breakthrough in today’s Connections puzzle? We’ve got you covered. We’ll start off by giving you some spoiler-free hints to nudge you in the right direction. If that doesn’t work, you can have one word from each category. Finally, you can have the official list of themes and answers. So, without further ado, here are all the hints, clues, and answers to today’s NYT Connections (#1,075, May 21, 2026) Read Also: Here is everything we know about Gemini Omni, the new advanced, multimodal creative feature designed for video creation and editing

What is Connections?

Connections is one of the most popular online word games from the New York Times, only trailing behind Wordle. This game presents you with 16 words arranged in a 4×4 grid. Hidden inside the grid are 4 categories, each comprising 4 words. These words have a common ‘connection’, which you must figure out in order to solve the puzzle. The connections get harder to spot with every category. The Yellow group of words is the easiest to spot, followed by Green, Blue, and Purple. There are plenty of misdirects thrown in to make the puzzle more fun. You can play connections in the NYT Games app or on the NYT website.

Some tips to solve Connections

Look for the obvious patterns: Not every category in the puzzle is confusing. The Yellow and Green category words are relatively easy to spot. However, if something seems too obvious, it could be a red herring. Typically, the first two categories comprise verbs and adjectives. The misdirects are often nouns. Double-check your submissions: ‘Do not overthink’ is usually a good tip for solving most puzzles, but it doesn’t really apply to Connections. Before submitting a set of words, you should always check whether they fit somewhere else too. Hit a dead end? Use the shuffle button: The shuffle button at the bottom of the grid exists for a reason. Placing the words in different positions can spark new connections. Think of it as a mental refresh. New patterns will emerge, and you may be able to find a breakthrough. Tackle the Purple category with extra caution: The Connections team is known to serve up the toughest and most unexpected words for the Purple category. Here are some of the common tropes that you should look out for:
  • Homophones (For example: ‘Where’, ‘Wear’, ‘Ware’, and ‘Weir’)
  • Words within words (For example: ‘Slip’, ‘Hear’, ‘Keyes’, and ‘Undiagnosed’ could be ‘Words containing parts of the face’)
  • Words minus a letter (For example: ‘Anther’, ‘Easel’, ‘Hark’, and ‘Lama’ could be ‘Animals minus starting letter’)
  • Words preceded or followed by another word (For example: ‘Face’, ‘Sports’, ‘Note’, and ‘Year’ could be ‘____ Book’)

Here’s your grid for today

Here’s your grid for today
  • LOVE
  • CHESS
  • HONEY
  • MOON
  • PEACH
  • HOT
  • YELLOW
  • PUMPKIN
  • ADVANTAGE
  • CAN
  • PECAN
  • COLONEL
  • DEUCE
  • SHOOFLY
  • CABOOSE
  • FORTY

Hints for NYT Connections (#1,075) May 21, 2026

Let’s get you started with some general, spoiler-free hints.
  • 🟡Yellow Group: Sweet treat.
  • 🟢Green Group: Slang terms for a person’s behind.
  • 🔵Blue Group: Progression of scoring in a popular sport associated with grand slams.
  • 🟣Purple Group: Different varieties of a condiment.

One Word Per Category (Contains Spoilers)

Can’t seem to find an in? We’ll give you one word from each category.
  • 🟡Yellow Group: Chess.
  • 🟢Green Group: Caboose.
  • 🔵Blue Group: Advantage.
  • 🟣Purple Group: Colonel.

List of Themes (Major Spoilers)

Maybe getting to know the common themes among the words will help you spot them faster. Here are all the categories for today.
  • 🟡Yellow Group: Kinds of Pies.
  • 🟢Green Group: Things Associated with Butts.
  • 🔵Blue Group: Tennis Scoring Terms.
  • 🟣Purple Group: ___ Mustard.

Answers to NYT Connections (#1,075) Today (May 21, 2026)

Close to waving the white flag? Fine, we’ll give you the answers.
  • 🟡Yellow Group: Chess, Pecan, Pumpkin, Shoofly. (Kinds of Pies)
Today’s Yellow category wasn’t as easy as it seemed. While these are all popular pies, ‘Moon’ and ‘Peach’ were obvious red herrings to confuse you.
  • 🟢Green Group: Caboose, Can, Moon, Peach. (Things Associated with Butts)
Not something you’d expect in Connections, which is why we did a double-take upon spotting these words.
  • 🔵Blue Group: Advantage, Deuce, Forty, Love. (Tennis Scoring Terms)
‘Advantage’ and ‘Deuce’ made the presence of a tennis-related category abundantly obvious. ‘Love’ could have been confused with ‘Honey’ as a term of endearment, but ‘Forty’ sealed this group for us.
  • 🟣Purple Group: Colonel, Honey, Hot, Yellow. (___ Mustard)
One of the easier Purple category words this week, even though ‘Colonel’ was a wild entry. For those who are unaware, Colonel Mustard is a fictional character from Cluedo.

Answers to yesterday’s puzzle (#1,074, May 20, 2026)

  • 🟡Yellow Group: High, Medium, Off, Simmer. (Stove Knob Settings)
  • 🟢Green Group: Concentration, Force, Intensity, Might. (Potency)
  • 🔵Blue Group: Interval, Key, Mode, Scale. (Music Theory Concepts)
  • 🟣Purple Group: Groundhog, Independence, Training, The Longest (“___ Day” Movies)

Answers to NYT Connections (#1,073, May 19, 2026)

  • 🟡Yellow Group: Babble, Cry, Nurse, Teethe. (Things Babies Do)
  • 🟢Green Group: Alter, Cook, Doctor, Fudge. (Modify Deceptively)
  • 🔵Blue Group: Blubber, Deenie, Forever, Superfudge. (Judy Blume Books)
  • 🟣Purple Group: Founder, Salon, Surgeon, Trot. (Fish Minus A Letter)

Answers to NYT Connections (#1,072, May 18, 2026)

  • 🟡Yellow Group: Pair, Pare, Pear, Pere. (Homphones)
  • 🟢Green Group: Blow, Crack, Pop, Split. (Rupture)
  • 🔵Blue Group: Padre, Red, Royal, Twin. (MLB Player)
  • 🟣Purple Group: Cheap, Earp, Lump, Wiki. (Fruit Anagrams)
Read Also: Voice-powered Docs Live: Google’s major update to brain-dump whatever is on your mind

How did other solvers do today?

NYT’s early testers rated today’s Connection puzzle 3 out of 5. This puts it in the hard difficulty level. Let us know how you fared in the comments!

Amazon Quiz Answers Today (21 May 2026): Now win up to Rs 500 Amazon Pay Balance

Komila Singh
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0
Amazon Quiz Answers Today (21 May 2026): Now win up to Rs 500 Amazon Pay Balance
The Amazon daily quiz goes live every day at midnight and runs till 11:59 PM on the company’s mobile platform. By successfully answering every question, participants in the quiz have the chance to win wonderful rewards. Up to Rs 500 Amazon Pay Balance is up for grabs for participants today. One wrong answer could eliminate you from the quiz. You have a chance to win up to Rs 500 Amazon Pay Balance if you successfully answer every question. Users of the app only have the opportunity to take the quiz. Check Out the 21 May 2026 Quiz. Click here to enter the Amazon FunZone Quiz and play today. Today’s Prize: Rs 50 Amazon Pay Balance Quiz Date: 21 May 2026 Daily Timing: 12 AM to 11:59 PM Previous Winners Announcement: Today 12 PM Noon Also Read: Wordle Today, May 21, 2026 Answer: Thursday’s NYT Wordle #1797 means ‘To Share the Same Opinion’

Amazon Daily Quiz Answers for May 21, 2026

Question 1: The armies of India and which country participated in the joint military exercise ‘Nomadic Elephant-23’? Answer: Mongolia Question 2: According to the 2023 Henley Passport Index, which country’s passport is the most powerful passport in the world? Answer: Singapore Question 3: What is the name of India’s most recent warship that was inaugurated by President Draupadi Murmu? Answer: INS Vindhyagiri Also Read: Amazon Quiz Answers Today (20 May 2026): Now win up to Rs 500 Amazon Pay Balance Question 4: Where does the Indian government have a centre dedicated to the husbandry of these animals? Answer: Dirang Question 5: Which is the only nocturnal species of this bird? Answer: Swallow-tailed Gull Also Read: Garena Free Fire MAX Redeem Codes Today May 20: Post-FFMAI Championship Rewards Up for Grabs

Amazon Daily Quiz Answers from the previous few days.

Here are all the answers from the previous 5 days of the Amazon Daily Quiz and Contest. Amazon Quiz Answers May 19, 2026 Amazon Quiz Answers May 18, 2026 Amazon Quiz Answers May 17, 2026 Amazon Quiz Answers May 16, 2026 Amazon Quiz Answers May 15, 2026 Amazon Quiz Answers May 14, 2026 Amazon Quiz Answers May 13, 2026

Amazon FunZone Trivia (Weekly Quiz): Win Rs 5,000 Amazon Pay Balance 

Apart from this, Amazon also runs a weekly quiz called FunZone Trivia, where you can win Rs 5,000 Amazon Pay Balance by answering all 4 questions correctly. Question 1: Who won the Oscar for Best Actor in 2026? Answer: Michael B. Jordan Question 2: What is the name of the viral duet by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars that topped global music charts? Answer: Die with a smile Question 3: How many Batman movies did Tim Burton direct? Answer: 2 Question 4: Who sang the hit song “Shape of You”? Answer: Ed Sheeran Also Read: Voice-powered Docs Live: Google’s major update to brain-dump whatever is on your mind

How To Play Amazon Daily Quiz Today

Only app users are eligible to play the Amazon quiz every morning from 12 AM to 11:59 PM. The quiz is not available on the desktop. For those who are unaware of how to play the Amazon quiz, below are the steps you can follow to take the quiz.
  • First, download the Amazon app from the Google Play Store or App Store or go here to download the Amazon App. 
  • Now fill in the required information through the Sign-Up option.
  • To find the Amazon Daily Quiz banner, log in to the Amazon app and scroll down to the home screen.
  • Tap on the banner and tap on the Start button to start the Quiz.
  • Now you will get 5 questions, and you need to answer them correctly. One wrong answer will eliminate you from the Quiz.
  • After answering all the questions correctly, you are now eligible for a Lucky Draw.
  • The previous winner’s name will be announced today at 12 PM.
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