NYT Connections April 18 Answers (#1042): Full Hints, Groups & Tricky Soda Brand Puzzle Explained

The NYT Connections puzzle for April 18 (#1042), as highlighted by Gael Cooper, delivers a satisfying mix of clarity and clever misdirection. At first glance, the grid feels approachable, with familiar words and seemingly obvious categories. But as players progress, the puzzle demands a shift from direct associations to more nuanced pattern recognition — especially in the final stretch.

What stands out today is how the puzzle blends literal groupings with conceptual and visual logic. While some categories fall into place quickly, others require stepping back and re-evaluating assumptions. The purple group in particular leans into word structure rather than meaning, making it a classic late-game hurdle for many players.

For those tracking their performance, the NYT Connections page also offers access to the Connections Bot, where registered users can review stats like win streaks, solve rates and accuracy — similar to Wordle’s analytics.

Today’s NYT Connections Words

GOGGLE, MARVEL, STARE, WONDER, AC, DC, POWER, VOLTAGE, DARK HORSE, LONG SHOT, SLEEPER, UNDERDOG, CRUSHWORTHY, FANTAGRAPHICS, FRESCADE, PEPSINOGEN

Hints for Today’s Connections Groups

🟨 Yellow group hint: Think emotional reaction rather than physical action. These words describe how someone responds when faced with something astonishing or extraordinary. You might see them used in storytelling, journalism, or even casual conversation when describing a moment of awe. The connection lies in the feeling of amazement rather than the act itself.

🟩 Green group hint: This category takes you back to basics — specifically, foundational science concepts. These are terms you’d encounter when learning how electricity works, whether in school textbooks or everyday discussions about devices and power systems. Focus on core terminology rather than anything advanced or niche.

🟦 Blue group hint: This group is rooted in competition and probability. Each phrase represents someone or something that succeeds against expectations. You’ll often hear these terms in sports commentary, betting discussions, or narratives about surprising victories. The key is identifying the shared theme of unexpected success.

🟪 Purple group hint: This is the puzzle’s trickiest twist. Instead of sharing meaning, these words hide something at the beginning. Look closely at the first few letters of each word — they match well-known soda brands. Once you spot the pattern, the connection becomes much clearer. This group is all about visual recognition and word construction.

Starter Answers (One Per Group)

🟨 Yellow: MARVEL

🟩 Green: AC

🟦 Blue: DARK HORSE

🟪 Purple: CRUSHWORTHY

If you’re unsure where to begin, start with the most straightforward categories like reactions or science terms. Leave the purple group for last, as it requires a completely different approach compared to the others.

If you’re still stuck, the full answers are just below.