Saturday’s NYT Connections puzzle (#1035) delivers a satisfying mix of logic and subtle wordplay. Some groups feel familiar right away, while others push you to look beyond meaning and into patterns hidden inside the words. If the final category slowed you down, you’re definitely not alone.
Words List:
- ICE SCRAPER
- JACK
- JUMPER CABLES
- SPARE TIRE
- ANGEL
- CHAMPION
- PATRON
- SPONSOR
- BEAM
- BRACE
- COLUMN
- STRUT
- BOMBAY
- CHELSEA
- SCREWDRIVER
- SNOWFLAKE
Here are expanded hints to help guide your thinking before revealing the full answers.
Hints for NYT Connections #1035
Yellow group: Think about items you might keep in your car for safety or emergencies. One example in this group is JACK.
Green group: These words describe people who support others, often financially or through influence. One example is PATRON.
Blue group: Focus on construction or engineering—these words provide strength and stability. One example is BEAM.
Purple group: This category is all about hidden patterns at the end of each word. Look closely at the endings—one example is BOMBAY.
Answers for NYT Connections #1035
Found in the trunk of a car:
ICE SCRAPER, JACK, JUMPER CABLES, SPARE TIRE
These are practical items commonly stored in a car trunk for roadside emergencies, especially during long drives or harsh weather conditions.
Benefactor:
ANGEL, CHAMPION, PATRON, SPONSOR
Each term refers to someone who provides support—financial, moral, or professional—to help others succeed.
Structural supports:
BEAM, BRACE, COLUMN, STRUT
All four are essential elements in construction, used to reinforce and stabilize buildings and frameworks.
Ending in bodies of water:
BOMBAY, CHELSEA, SCREWDRIVER, SNOWFLAKE
Each word contains a hidden ending—BAY, SEA, RIVER, and LAKE—representing different bodies of water.
This puzzle strikes a strong balance between accessibility and challenge. The earlier groups are easier to spot, but the final category rewards careful observation and pattern recognition rather than straightforward definitions.
For more daily puzzles and to explore the official game, visit the New York Times Connections page.













