Yellow group — PURSUE
Why is “SHADOW” in the Yellow group?
to follow or pursue closely, especially in a stealthy or secretive manner
Connections Hints for March 4, 2026 #996
Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for March 4, 2026 #996
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Yellow Category — March 4, 2026
Green Category — March 4, 2026
Blue Category — March 4, 2026
Purple Category — March 4, 2026
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Blue group — "___ GIRL" TITLES
Why is “GOSSIP” in the Blue group?
a title of a movie or book, especially one that features a female protagonist
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (March 4, 2026)
Several words in today's puzzle have multiple meanings or obscure definitions that can throw you off. Here's what each one means in the context of this Connections grid.
- SPORTING
- Definition: engaging in sports, especially in a fair and generous manner
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to fashionable or stylish, which might mislead solvers
- FAIR
- Definition: just and unbiased, especially in sports
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a gathering or festival, which might confuse solvers
- SQUARE
- Definition: honest and straightforward, especially in sports
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a shape or a public square, which might mislead solvers
- TRACK
- Definition: to follow or pursue, especially in hunting or sports
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a path or a railway, which might confuse solvers
Connections #996 explained
Why these words connect (March 4, 2026)
Understanding the logic behind each group helps you spot similar patterns in future puzzles. Here's the reasoning for every category in today's Connections.
Yellow group: PURSUE
These words are all related to the act of pursuing or following something, whether it's an animal, a person, or an object. They can be used in various contexts, including hunting, sports, and everyday life.
Green group: SPORTSMANLIKE
These words are all related to the concept of sportsmanship, which involves being fair, honest, and respectful in sports. They can be used to describe behavior, attitudes, or values that are considered important in athletic competitions.
Blue group: CLASSIC KID GIFTS
These words are all related to classic gifts that are often given to children, such as toys, books, and games. They can be used to describe popular presents that are suitable for kids of various ages.
Purple group: "___ GIRL" TITLES
These words are all related to titles of movies or books that feature a female protagonist, often with a descriptive word or phrase preceding 'girl'. They can be used to describe popular stories that have been adapted into films or literature.
Red herrings and trap words explained
These words were designed to mislead you. Understanding why they don't belong where you first think sharpens your game for tomorrow.
“BOOK”
Seems like it belongs to: CLASSIC KID GIFTS
Actually belongs to: "___ GIRL" TITLES
while books can be gifts, this word is actually part of a movie title, and its presence in the gifts category might mislead solvers
“TOY”
Seems like it belongs to: CLASSIC KID GIFTS
Actually belongs to: none, but might fit in PURSUE as a verb
while toys can be gifts, this word might also fit in the pursue category as a verb, which could confuse solvers
“VIDEO GAME”
Seems like it belongs to: "___ GIRL" TITLES
Actually belongs to: CLASSIC KID GIFTS
while video games can have titles, this word is actually part of the gifts category, and its presence in the titles category might mislead solvers
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “BOOK” didn't go with CLASSIC KID GIFTS
Seems like: CLASSIC KID GIFTS → Actually: "___ GIRL" TITLES
while books can be gifts, this word is actually part of a movie title, and its presence in the gifts category might mislead solvers
Why “TOY” didn't go with CLASSIC KID GIFTS
Seems like: CLASSIC KID GIFTS → Actually: none, but might fit in PURSUE as a verb
while toys can be gifts, this word might also fit in the pursue category as a verb, which could confuse solvers
Why “VIDEO GAME” didn't go with "___ GIRL" TITLES
Seems like: "___ GIRL" TITLES → Actually: CLASSIC KID GIFTS
while video games can have titles, this word is actually part of the gifts category, and its presence in the titles category might mislead solvers