Purple group — PURSUE
Why is “SHADOW” in the Purple group?
to follow closely, often secretly, 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?
conducted or played fairly and in a sportsmanlike manner, as in a sporting event
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: conducted or played fairly and in a sportsmanlike manner
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a type of event or activity, such as a sporting goods store
- FAIR
- Definition: just and unbiased
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to an event or gathering, such as a fairground
- TRACK
- Definition: to follow or pursue
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a path or course, such as a racetrack
- SHADOW
- Definition: to follow closely, often secretly
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a dark shape or image, such as a shadow on the wall
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 concept of pursuit or chase, whether it be a physical or metaphorical one. They can be used to describe the act of following or tracking something or someone.
Green group: SPORTSMANLIKE
These words are all related to the concept of sportsmanship and fairness, whether it be in a physical or metaphorical sense. They can be used to describe the act of playing or competing in a fair and respectful manner.
Blue group: CLASSIC KID GIFTS
These words are all related to classic gifts that are often given to children, whether it be a toy, a book, or something else. They can be used to describe the act of giving or receiving a gift.
Purple group: "___ GIRL" TITLES
These words are all related to movie titles that feature a girl or a female character, whether it be a main character or a title character. They can be used to describe the act of watching or referencing a movie.
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 is more closely related to the concept of sportsmanship and fairness
“TRACK”
Seems like it belongs to: SPORTSMANLIKE
Actually belongs to: PURSUE
while 'track' can be related to sports, it is more closely related to the concept of pursuit or following
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 is more closely related to the concept of sportsmanship and fairness
Why “TRACK” didn't go with SPORTSMANLIKE
Seems like: SPORTSMANLIKE → Actually: PURSUE
while 'track' can be related to sports, it is more closely related to the concept of pursuit or following