NYT Connections April 29, 2026: Answers Unveiled for Puzzle 1053

CNET reveals hints and the full answer set for the New York Times NYT Connections puzzle on April 29, 2026 (Puzzle #1053). The four groups and solutions are: Yellow group (step in a process) — level, phase, round, stage; Green group (sound like thunder) — boom, clap, roll, rumble; Blue group (kinds of puppets) — hand, shadow, sock, string; Purple group (standing ____) — joke, orders, ovation, room. The article notes the group themes, provides the completed puzzle, and mentions the NYT Connections Bot and links to other daily puzzles.