The New York Times Connections puzzle challenges players to sort 16 seemingly unrelated words into four connected groups. Each group shares a hidden link. Today’s grid blends physical actions, clever rearrangements, and nostalgic references, making it both playful and slightly deceptive. Below you’ll find gentle hints to guide your thinking, followed by the complete solutions once you’re ready to check your work.
NYT Connections Puzzle Overview: 22 April 2026
Today’s Connections puzzle leans heavily into verb-based thinking and lateral associations. Some groupings feel intuitive, while others rely on spotting patterns beyond surface meanings. The anagram set is especially tempting early on, while the final category rewards solvers who recall classic childhood games.
NYT Connections Hints: 22 April 2026
Category 1:
- Think of items used in a creative, hands-on craft
- Often associated with shaping and forming materials
- One involves heat, another involves spinning
- Common in a studio setting
Category 2:
- All words relate to striking or hitting
- Informal or slang-heavy usage
- Often used in fights or sports contexts
- Each word implies impact
Category 3:
- These words change pronunciation in certain contexts
- Especially when referring to names or places
- The spelling stays the same
- Think geography or proper nouns
Category 4:
- Each word pairs naturally with a preceding phrase
- Often used in casual conversation
- One relates to music, another to vehicles
- The phrase implies collecting or acquiring
NYT Connections Answers: 22 April 2026
Here are the answers, grouped by category.
Category 1:
Category 2:
Category 3:
Category 4:
Conclusion & Quick Strategy Tip
The 22 April 2026 Connections puzzle balances straightforward action words with trickier conceptual links, making it satisfying once everything clicks. Quick strategy tip: lock in obvious verb groups early, then examine remaining words for structural patterns or shared cultural references.
