Enjoying our puzzle hints?

Support independent coverage of NYT games and keep the hints flowing.

Buy me a coffee

Connections Hints for March 23, 2026 #1015

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 23, 2026 #1015

Want to see NYT Connections hints? Below you'll find complete solutions and explanations. Want to try solving it yourself first? Visit the NYT Connections game 2026-03-23. Looking for today's NYT Connections hint? Head to our home page or play today's connection game here.

Navigation tip: Use the arrows below to browse through past puzzles. Each puzzle is organized from easiest (yellow) to hardest (purple) categories.

Yellow Category — March 23, 2026

Green Category — March 23, 2026

Blue Category — March 23, 2026

Purple Category — March 23, 2026

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Blue group — ENDING IN NICKNAME HOMOPHONES

Why is “BROCCOLI RABE” in the Blue group?

a type of vegetable, also known as rapini

Green group — "VIRGIN" THINGS

Why is “VIRGO” in the Green group?

a constellation and astrological sign, represented by the Virgin

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (March 23, 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.

VIRGO
Definition: a constellation and astrological sign
Why it's tricky: multiple meanings, including a zodiac sign and a word related to virginity
STAND-UP
Definition: a type of comedy performance
Why it's tricky: can also refer to having moral principles
MARY
Definition: the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus
Why it's tricky: multiple famous women with this name, including Mary, Queen of Scots
MOCKTAIL
Definition: a non-alcoholic cocktail
Why it's tricky: similar to cocktail, but without alcohol

Connections #1015 explained

Why these words connect (March 23, 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: PRINCIPLED

These words all describe characteristics of someone with strong moral principles, such as being decent, honest, and moral.

Green group: GAME-CHANGING INVENTIONS

These inventions have all had a significant impact on society, such as the light bulb, printing press, and wheel.

Blue group: "VIRGIN" THINGS

These words all relate to the concept of 'virgin', whether it's the Virgin Mary, a virgin cocktail, or a zodiac sign.

Purple group: ENDING IN NICKNAME HOMOPHONES

These words all end with nickname homophones, such as 'brain stew' sounding like 'brain', and 'broccoli rabe' sounding like 'bro'.

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.

OLIVE OIL

Seems like it belongs to: PRINCIPLED

Actually belongs to: "VIRGIN" THINGS

olive oil can be 'virgin' or 'extra virgin', but it's not about moral principles

STAND-UP

Seems like it belongs to: GAME-CHANGING INVENTIONS

Actually belongs to: PRINCIPLED

stand-up comedy is not an invention, but rather a type of performance

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.

Why “OLIVE OIL” didn't go with PRINCIPLED

Seems like: PRINCIPLED → Actually: "VIRGIN" THINGS

olive oil can be 'virgin' or 'extra virgin', but it's not about moral principles

Why “STAND-UP” didn't go with GAME-CHANGING INVENTIONS

Seems like: GAME-CHANGING INVENTIONS → Actually: PRINCIPLED

stand-up comedy is not an invention, but rather a type of performance

Browse by Date