The New York Times Connections puzzle for July 28, 2026 (Puzzle #1143) offers a rewarding mix of leadership terms, popular apple varieties, well-known shoe brands, and a clever palindrome-based wordplay category. While the early groups are approachable, the purple category delivers today’s biggest challenge.
How NYT Connections Works
Connections is a daily puzzle from The New York Times where you sort 16 words into four groups of four. Each group shares a subtle link—a theme, phrase, or category. Groups are color-coded by difficulty:
- Yellow — easiest, most direct
- Green — requires logical thinking
- Blue — tests cultural or linguistic knowledge
- Purple — trickiest, often involves wordplay or pop culture references
You get three wrong guesses before the game ends, so every pick matters.
Today’s 16 Words: July 28, 2026
Here is the complete word list: BOBSLED, CAPTAIN, EMPIRE, FUJI, GALA, CONVERSE, CROCS, DIRECT, HEAD, LEAD, EVEREST, HONEYCRISP, CAMPER, CLARKS, OTTOMAN, ANNAPOLIS.
Hints for Each Group
Yellow Group Hint
Think of terms used when talking about a designation that has the right to command.
Green Group Hint
These are fruits that keep the doctor away.
Blue Group Hint
These are some of the best shoe brands available—all begin with ‘C’.
Purple Group Hint
Look for words that begin with letters that mean the same backward as well.
One-Word Hints for Each Group
- Yellow: CAPTAIN
- Green: FUJI
- Blue: CONVERSE
- Purple: OTTOMAN
Full NYT Connections Answers for July 28, 2026
If you’re ready for the complete solution, here are the four groups:
- Yellow group (COMMAND): CAPTAIN, DIRECT, HEAD, LEAD
- Green group (HOW DO YOU LIKE THEM APPLES): EMPIRE, FUJI, GALA, HONEYCRISP
- Blue group (SHOE BRANDS STARTING WITH “C”): CAMPER, CLARKS, CONVERSE, CROCS
- Purple group (STARTING WITH PALINDROMIC NAMES): ANNAPOLIS, BOBSLED, EVEREST, OTTOMAN
Today’s edition delivers a well-balanced challenge. From simple words that mean ‘command’ to fruit varieties and shoe brands, the puzzle builds momentum as you move from easier groups to trickier ones. The final palindrome connection adds a playful twist that requires sharper observation. This mix of familiarity and surprise keeps Connections engaging day after day.
Written by Antara | Reviewed by Ankitha Phulare