Yellow group — PURSUE
Why is “SHADOW” in the Yellow group?
to follow closely, often in a stealthy or secretive manner, as in a detective shadowing a suspect
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
▼Green group — SPORTSMANLIKE
Why is “SPORTING” in the Green group?
engaging in sports, especially in a fair and generous manner, as in sporting behavior or a sporting chance
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
- TRACK
- Definition: to follow or pursue, often in a determined manner
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a path or course, which might confuse solvers
- SHADOW
- Definition: to follow closely, often in a stealthy or secretive manner
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a dark shape or image, which might mislead solvers
- SQUARE
- Definition: fair and honest, especially in a sportsmanlike manner
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a shape or a public square, 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 all relate to the act of pursuing or following something, often in a determined or relentless manner, as in a hound dog tracking its prey or a detective shadowing a suspect
Green group: SPORTSMANLIKE
These words all relate to the concept of sportsmanship, implying fairness, honesty, and generosity in athletic competitions, as in a sporting chance or a fair game
Blue group: CLASSIC KID GIFTS
These words all relate to classic gifts that children often receive, such as toys, books, and games, which are often associated with nostalgia and childhood wonder
Purple group: "___ GIRL" TITLES
These words all complete the title of a well-known movie or book, often featuring a female protagonist, such as 'Gone Girl' or 'Working Girl'
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.
“FAIR”
Seems like it belongs to: PURSUE
Actually belongs to: SPORTSMANLIKE
while 'fair' can imply a sense of pursuit or chase, it actually belongs to the SPORTSMANLIKE category, where it refers to fairness and honesty in sports
“TRACK”
Seems like it belongs to: CLASSIC KID GIFTS
Actually belongs to: PURSUE
while 'track' can refer to a path or course, often associated with kid-friendly activities like toy cars, it actually belongs to the PURSUE category, where it refers to following or pursuing something
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “FAIR” didn't go with PURSUE
Seems like: PURSUE → Actually: SPORTSMANLIKE
while 'fair' can imply a sense of pursuit or chase, it actually belongs to the SPORTSMANLIKE category, where it refers to fairness and honesty in sports
Why “TRACK” didn't go with CLASSIC KID GIFTS
Seems like: CLASSIC KID GIFTS → Actually: PURSUE
while 'track' can refer to a path or course, often associated with kid-friendly activities like toy cars, it actually belongs to the PURSUE category, where it refers to following or pursuing something