The NYT Connections puzzle for April 21 (#1045), curated with insights from Gael Cooper, delivers a well-balanced mix of accessible vocabulary and clever misdirection. At first glance, the grid feels manageable, but like most Connections puzzles, the real challenge unfolds as you move toward the final group — where pattern recognition and cultural knowledge come into play.
One standout element today is the purple category, which leans into pop culture — specifically fans of a certain British spy franchise. It’s a satisfying twist that rewards players who can think beyond definitions and focus on how words function as parts of larger phrases.
The New York Times continues to expand its puzzle ecosystem, with Connections sitting alongside Wordle, Mini Crossword, Strands and the Sports Edition. Players can head to the Connections page to use the Connections Bot, which provides a numeric score and breakdown of performance. Registered users can track win rate, streaks, completed puzzles and even perfect scores — turning a daily puzzle into a competitive routine.
Today’s NYT Connections Words
BREEZE, MOSEY, STROLL, WALTZ, BALONEY, BILGE, BULL, BUNK, CROSSBODY, HOBO, MESSENGER, SADDLE, GOLD, MOON, OCTOPUS, THUNDER
Hints for Today’s Connections Groups
🟨 Yellow group hint: Think of movement without urgency. These words describe walking or entering somewhere in a relaxed, almost effortless manner. You might use them casually in conversation, especially when describing someone arriving without haste — for example, “He just strolled in.”
🟩 Green group hint: This category is all about dismissing something as nonsense. These words are often used informally to reject an idea, argument or statement. You might hear them in debates or casual conversations when someone calls out exaggeration or falsehood.
🟦 Blue group hint: A practical and visual category — these are all types of bags. Instead of focusing on function, think about styles you might encounter in fashion or everyday use. Some are associated with specific designs or carrying methods.
🟪 Purple group hint: The hardest group shifts away from meaning into wordplay. Each of these words forms the beginning of a well-known one-word movie title. If you’re familiar with the James Bond franchise, try mentally completing each word to unlock the pattern.
Starter Answers (One Per Group)
🟨 Yellow: STROLL
🟩 Green: BALONEY
🟦 Blue: MESSENGER
🟪 Purple: GOLD
For strategy, start with the most obvious verbs or slang terms. The yellow and green groups are usually easier to confirm. The blue group becomes clear when you shift to visual thinking, while the purple category should be saved for last — it often relies on cultural references and pattern completion.
🧠 Practice Mode — Test Yourself
Enter one word from each category to check your understanding:
Quick Tips for Solving Connections
#1: Say the words out loud — hearing them can reveal phrase patterns or common pairings.
#2: Avoid obvious traps. Words that seem related at first glance are often designed to mislead.
#3: Break down compound words or think of how words are used in phrases — especially for the purple group.
More News
Connections continues to grow in popularity, joining Wordle, Mini Crossword and Strands as part of NYT’s expanding daily puzzle lineup. Each game challenges a different skill — from vocabulary to logic — keeping players engaged every day.
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