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: 29 April 2026
Today’s puzzle leaned into clear conceptual groupings with a twist of phrasing in one category. Some sets were fairly intuitive, while others required thinking about how words commonly pair with another term. Overall, it struck a nice balance between accessible and clever, making it enjoyable but not entirely effortless.

NYT Connections Hints: 29 April 2026
Category 1:
- Think of progression or advancement
- Often used in structured systems or competitions
- Each word marks a point along a journey
- Common in both formal and casual contexts
Category 2:
- All relate to a deep, booming noise
- Associated with storms or loud impacts
- Can be heard rather than seen
- Each word suggests a rolling or echoing sound
Category 3:
- These are all types of performance objects
- Typically controlled or animated by people
- Found in theater or storytelling
- Each word describes a different manipulation style
Category 4:
- Each phrase becomes complete with the same starting word
- Often used in social or performance settings
- Some are expressions of approval or structure
- Think of a common word that precedes all four
NYT Connections Answers: 29 April 2026
Here are the answers, grouped by category.
Category 1:

Category 2:

Category 3:

Category 4:

Conclusion & Quick Strategy Tip
The 29 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.