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 recording, 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 or a person. They are all verbs that convey a sense of movement or action.
Green group: SPORTSMANLIKE
These words are all related to the concept of being fair and honest in sports, whether it's being a good sport or playing by the rules. They are all adjectives that convey a sense of integrity and respect.
Blue group: CLASSIC KID GIFTS
These words are all related to classic gifts that children have traditionally received, whether it's a toy, a book, or a bike. They are all nouns that convey a sense of nostalgia and joy.
Purple group: "___ GIRL" TITLES
These words are all related to movie or book titles that feature a female protagonist, whether it's a girl or a woman. They are all titles that convey a sense of femininity and strength.
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.
“SPORTING”
Seems like it belongs to: SPORTSMANLIKE
Actually belongs to: SPORTSMANLIKE
Although 'sporting' seems like it belongs to the SPORTSMANLIKE category, it's actually a part of this group due to its meaning of being fair and generous in sports.
“TRACK”
Seems like it belongs to: CLASSIC KID GIFTS
Actually belongs to: PURSUE
Although 'track' might seem like it belongs to the CLASSIC KID GIFTS category, it's actually a part of the PURSUE group due to its meaning of following or pursuing.
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “SPORTING” didn't go with SPORTSMANLIKE
Seems like: SPORTSMANLIKE → Actually: SPORTSMANLIKE
Although 'sporting' seems like it belongs to the SPORTSMANLIKE category, it's actually a part of this group due to its meaning of being fair and generous in sports.
Why “TRACK” didn't go with CLASSIC KID GIFTS
Seems like: CLASSIC KID GIFTS → Actually: PURSUE
Although 'track' might seem like it belongs to the CLASSIC KID GIFTS category, it's actually a part of the PURSUE group due to its meaning of following or pursuing.